Question detail
What is the specific latent heat of fusion?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Internal energy and energy transfers
Question
- A. The energy needed to change a substance from solid to liquid at constant temperature
- B. The energy needed to change a substance from liquid to gas at constant temperature
- C. The energy needed to change a substance from gas to solid at constant temperature
- D. The energy needed to change a substance from liquid to solid at constant temperature
Answer
The correct answer is The energy needed to change a substance from solid to liquid at constant temperature.
Explanation
Practical lens: Link apparatus, readings, and uncertainty to the exact measurement named in the objective. This question asks: What is the specific latent heat of fusion. The correct response is The energy needed to change a substance from solid to liquid at constant temperature, because specific latent heat concerns energy transferred during a state change with no temperature rise. In Changes of state and specific latent heat, the marking point should connect directly to distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation. If the question includes values, the working must keep the appropriate unit and operation; if it is an explanation, it must name the relevant particle behaviour or energy change. This item belongs to Internal energy and energy transfers, so avoid answers that switch to a different quantity, confuse heat with temperature, or describe gas pressure without collisions when collisions are the reason. Checkpoint 374 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the practical lens rather than a generic particle-model sentence.
Common mistake
Confusing fusion with vaporisation
Students often think the latent heat of fusion (melting/freezing) and the latent heat of vaporisation (boiling/condensing) are the same because both involve a change of state.
Remind that fusion changes solid to liquid (or vice‑versa) and requires the latent heat of fusion, whereas vaporisation changes liquid to gas (or vice‑versa) and requires the latent heat of vaporisation, which is much larger. Use the distinct symbols L_f and L_v and emphasise the different energy magnitudes and the different particle arrangements involved.
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