What Is the Difference Between Latent Heat of Fusion and Specific Melting Heat?

[bon]

Homework Statement

I\'m just trying to understand a definition:

So for the clausius clapeyron equation, it really matters which way we define L (i.e. whether it is positive or negative), so trying to understand, is \"the latent heat of fusion of ice\" the same as \"the specific melting heat of ice\"..? To me, the latter suggests the transition FROM ice TO water, whereas the former seems to imply the opposite...whereas everything i\'ve read suggests they are the same.. are they?



thanks

 

[Fewmet]

Homework Statement

I\'m just trying to understand a definition:

So for the clausius clapeyron equation, it really matters which way we define L (i.e. whether it is positive or negative), so trying to understand, is \"the latent heat of fusion of ice\" the same as \"the specific melting heat of ice\"..? To me, the latter suggests the transition FROM ice TO water, whereas the former seems to imply the opposite...whereas everything i\'ve read suggests they are the same.. are they?

"Fusion" in this sense means going from a solid state to a liquid state. It is the same as melting. In other senses (like nuclear fusion) it means to join pieces together into a whole...I can see the source of your confusion.

Is that what you are wanting to know?

 

[Lobezno]

That was a rather good pun Fewmet.

In the simplest terms possible, yes, latent heat of fusion of ice is basically equal to the specific melting heat of ice. They're both the required heat energy to melt ice.

 

[Fewmet]

That was a rather good pun Fewmet.

Thank you, and welcome to Physcis Forums.

In the simplest terms possible, yes, latent heat of fusion of ice is basically equal to the specific melting heat of ice. They're both the required heat energy to melt ice.

This suggests the to are not the same on a subtler level. Can you say something more about that?

 

[Lobezno]

No, sorry, I don't know why I tried to quantify the answer. They are one and the same.