What is the Difference Between Latent Heat of Fusion and Vaporization?

The difference between latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporization lies in the phase changes they represent and the temperatures at which they occur:

• Latent Heat of Fusion: This is the amount of heat needed to cause a phase change between a solid and a liquid at constant temperature, specifically at the melting point of a substance. For example, when ice melts into water, the latent heat of fusion is the amount of heat required for this transition to occur.
• Latent Heat of Vaporization: This is the amount of heat needed to cause a phase change between a liquid and a gas at constant temperature, specifically at the boiling point of a substance. For example, when water turns into steam, the latent heat of vaporization is the amount of heat required for this transition to occur.

In summary:

• Latent heat of fusion is associated with the phase change from solid to liquid at the melting point.
• Latent heat of vaporization is associated with the phase change from liquid to gas at the boiling point.

Comparative Table: Latent Heat of Fusion vs Vaporization

The difference between latent heat of fusion and vaporization lies in the phase changes they describe. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

In summary, latent heat of fusion refers to the change in heat energy at the melting point of a substance, while latent heat of vaporization refers to the change in heat energy at the boiling point of a substance.