Boiling vs. Melting Point: Key Differences Explained
Boiling point is the temperature a liquid becomes gas; melting point is the temperature a solid becomes liquid.
Recipes say “bring to a boil,” not “bring to melt,” yet students picture ice cubes vanishing at 100 °C—confusing the shift from solid to liquid with liquid to gas.
Key Differences
Boiling happens at 100 °C for water; melting at 0 °C. Both are phase transitions, but opposite directions and temperatures.
Examples and Daily Life
Boil pasta at 100 °C; melt chocolate at 45 °C. Knowing each temp prevents burnt dinner or seized dessert.
Why is boiling always hotter?
It takes more energy to break liquid bonds completely into gas than loosen solid bonds into liquid.
Can melting point equal boiling point?
For a few substances under extreme pressure, yes, but water keeps a handy 100 °C gap.