What Does
Melting Point Mean?
A melting point is the maximum temperature that a material can withstand before it starts changing from its solid phase to its liquid phase. Materials can exist in one of three phases or states: solid, liquid or gaseous. However, the melting point is only associated with solids as they melt to become a liquid.
The melting point is a critical temperature point beyond which a slight increase in temperature will tend to melt a solid substance to its liquid phase.
Corrosionpedia Explains Melting Point
When heat is supplied to any solid substance its temperature begins to increase. If the application of heat is continued, the substance's temperature will continue to increase until its melting point temperature is reached.
There are several laboratory techniques available to determine the melting point of any substance. A common technique is to use “Kofler Bench” with samples for calibration. In this technique, a metal strip is used that has a temperature scale ranging from room temperature to 300°C (572°F). The solid substance whose melting point is to be determined is kept on this metal strip and its thermal behavior at that particular temperature is recorded. A calorimeter is used to calibrate the information on the melting point along with the enthalpy of fusion.