Question detail
Which statement correctly describes the specific latent heat of fusion (Changes of state and specific latent heat) (Changes of state and specific latent heat; definition focus: Distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation) (Changes of state and specific latent heat; definition focus: Distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation)
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. It is the energy required to change a solid into a liquid.
- B. This confuses specific latent heat with a different particle-model idea in Internal energy and energy transfers.
- C. This gives a vague particle statement without answering the definition focus.
- D. This reverses the cause and effect for Changes of state and specific latent heat.
Answer
The correct answer is It is the energy required to change a solid into a liquid..
Explanation
Cause lens: Name the cause, then state the effect on particles, pressure, density, or energy. This question asks: Which statement correctly describes the specific latent heat of fusion (Changes of state and specific latent heat) (Changes of state and specific latent heat; definition focus: Distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation) (Changes of state and specific latent heat; definition focus: Distinguish specific latent heat of fusion from specific latent heat of vaporisation). The correct response is It is the energy required to change a solid into a liquid., 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 376 is distinct because it uses this exact question context and the cause 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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