What is the Difference Between Melting and Dissolving?

The main difference between melting and dissolving lies in the substances involved and the resulting state of matter. Here are the key differences:

• Melting: This process involves only one substance, and heat is required for it to occur. When a solid substance melts, it changes into a liquid state of the same material (e.g., ice melting into water).
• Dissolving: This process involves two materials: a solvent and a solute. The solute (often a solid) dissolves in the solvent to form a new substance called a solution. The dissolved substance is still present in the solution, even though it can't be seen. Dissolving doesn't necessarily need heat to occur.

In summary:

• Melting involves a single substance changing from a solid to a liquid state.
• Dissolving involves two substances forming a solution, with the solute dispersed in the solvent.

Comparative Table: Melting vs Dissolving

The major difference between melting and dissolving is that melting involves the transition of a substance from its solid state to its liquid state, while dissolving involves the mixing of a solid substance with a liquid substance, forming a solution. Here is a table summarizing the differences between melting and dissolving:

In summary, melting is a physical process where a solid substance turns into a liquid, while dissolving is a process where a solid substance mixes with a liquid to form a solution.