What is the melting point of a substance?

The melting point of a substance is defined as the temperature at which it transitions from a solid state to a liquid state. At this specific temperature, the particles within the substance gain enough energy to overcome the rigid structure of the solid, allowing them to move freely and transition into the liquid state. This process involves the absorption of heat, which breaks the bonds holding the particles in a fixed position.

This definition is foundational in understanding phase changes and is applicable across various substances, making it a critical concept in both chemistry and material science. The melting point is a characteristic property of a substance and can be used for identification and analysis in experiments and industrial applications.