Question

When a block of ice at zero degrees Celsius melts, the ice A) absorbs energy from its environment. B) releases energy to its environment. C) absorbs energy and gets warmer. D) releases energy and gets warmer. E) absorbs energy but does not change its temperature.

Answer 1

Answer: Option (E) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Latent heat is defined as the amount of heat required by per mole of a substance in order to change its state.  

And, latent heat of freezing (fusion) is defined as the energy required for the phase change between a liquid and a solid without any change in their temperature.

Therefore, at zero degrees Celsius energy absorbed by the ice will be consumed in breaking the bond between the water molecules held together in the solid state.

Thus, we can conclude that when a block of ice at zero degrees Celsius melts, the ice absorbs energy but does not change its temperature.