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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the definitions and implications of the terms "latent heat of fusion" and "specific melting heat" in the context of phase transitions, particularly concerning ice and water. Participants are exploring the nuances of these terms as they relate to the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether "latent heat of fusion" and "specific melting heat" refer to the same concept, with some expressing confusion over the implications of the terms. There is a discussion about the definitions and the context in which these terms are used.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants providing insights that suggest the terms are equivalent in a general sense, while others are probing deeper into the subtleties of their meanings. There is no explicit consensus reached yet, as the exploration of definitions continues.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the importance of how the terms are defined and the implications of these definitions in relation to the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion stemming from different contexts in which the term "fusion" is used.

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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
 
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bon said:

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?
 
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.
 
Lobezno said:
That was a rather good pun Fewmet.
Thank you, and welcome to Physcis Forums.

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

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