Question

When wax freezes, does it absorb or release energy? (12.2)

   When wax freezes, does it absorb or release energy? (12.2)

Physics Principle and Problems

Physics Principle and Problems

Paul W. Zitzewitz,… 1st Edition

Chapter 12, Problem 42

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Jonathan Everett

06/06/2020

Step 1

The wax near the wick melts and becomes a liquid. This liquid wax then spills over the edges and as it moves away from the heat source, it starts to cool down and re-harden into a solid state. Show more…

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When wax freezes, does it absorb or release energy? (12.2)

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Key Concepts

Latent Heat

Latent heat is the energy either absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change at a constant temperature. It is called 'latent' because it does not result in a temperature change during the transition but is used to alter the internal energy of the system. In the context of freezing, latent heat is released as the substance transitions from a less ordered liquid state to a more ordered solid state.

Exothermic Process

An exothermic process is a reaction or transformation that releases energy in the form of heat. When a substance freezes, it typically undergoes an exothermic phase change because the molecules, as they arrange into a solid structure, release energy. This released energy manifests as latent heat, which is emitted into the surrounding environment during solidification.

Phase Change

A phase change is a transformation between different states of matter, such as from liquid to solid. During this process, the material changes its molecular arrangement without a change in temperature until the transition is complete. This can occur through the absorption or release of energy, allowing the substance to change its state while maintaining thermal equilibrium with its surroundings.

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