Define the following terms:Enthalpy of fusion

The enthalpy of fusion refers to the amount of heat energy required to convert a substance from its solid phase to its liquid phase at a constant temperature and pressure. It is also known as the heat of fusion or the latent heat of fusion.

When a solid substance is heated, its temperature gradually increases until it reaches its melting point. At this point, the substance starts to change its phase from solid to liquid. During this phase transition, the substance absorbs a certain amount of heat energy without experiencing a change in temperature. This energy is used to break the intermolecular forces holding the solid together and to convert the substance into a liquid state.

The enthalpy of fusion is defined as the amount of heat energy per unit mass required for this phase transition. It is usually expressed in joules per gram (J/g) or calories per gram (cal/g). The enthalpy of fusion is a characteristic property of a substance and can vary depending on the substance in question.

For example, the enthalpy of fusion of water is approximately 334 J/g, which means that it takes 334 joules of energy to convert one gram of ice at 0°C to water at the same temperature. Similarly, the enthalpy of fusion of other substances, such as metals or organic compounds, can be determined experimentally and is useful in various scientific and engineering applications, including in the fields of thermodynamics, material science, and phase change processes.