What is the Difference Between Boiling Point and Melting Point?

The boiling point and melting point are two distinct temperatures that describe the phase transitions of a substance. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Boiling Point: The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid evaporates and turns into a gas. At the boiling point, the liquid molecules move quickly enough to escape the surface of the liquid, forming a gas. The boiling point depends on factors such as atmospheric pressure and vapor pressure.
• Melting Point: The melting point is the temperature at which a solid melts and becomes a liquid. At the melting point, the solid molecules gain enough energy to move past each other, allowing the solid to transform into a liquid. The melting point also varies with pressure and is specified at standard pressure.

In summary, the boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas, while the melting point is the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid. Both phase transitions are influenced by intermolecular forces and bond strengths, with stronger bonds generally resulting in higher boiling and melting points.

Comparative Table: Boiling Point vs Melting Point

The difference between boiling point and melting point can be summarized as follows:

For example, water has a melting point of 0°C (32°F) and a boiling point of 100°C (212°F). The boiling point and melting point are influenced by factors such as intermolecular forces and strength of bonds.