melting point The temperature at which the solid and liquid phases of a substance are in equilibrium at a specified pressure (normally taken to be atmospheric unless stated otherwise). A pure substance under standard condition of pressure has a single reproducible melting point; the melting point rises slightly with pressure and chemical purity. The terms melting point and freezing point are often used interchangeably, depending on whether the substance is being heated or cooled, although they are not in fact always the same. Related categories • HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS PROPERTIES OF MATTER Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |