Difference between Freezing and Melting: Description, Process and Properties Explained with Examples

Freezing and melting are the two opposite processes that happen on matter around us due to temperature shifts. For example, ice cream melts at room temperature and water freezes in the extreme cold. Knowing the difference between freezing and melting allows us to easily understand how materials behave in everyday life. Let’s learn why things freeze or melt and what is the main difference between freezing and melting.

Table of Contents

• What is Freezing
• What is Melting
• What is the Difference between Freezing and Melting
• Freezing and Melting Point of Water

What is Freezing 

Freezing is the process of liquid changing into solid due to decline in the temperature. 

When the temperature drops, molecules of a liquid slow down and attach with each other, arranging themselves into a structure called solid. For example, water freezing into ice and lava from volcanoes turning into molten rocks. Freezing is a reversible process which implies the solid can turn back into liquid. The temperature at which a liquid starts to turn into a solid is called its freezing point.

From ancient times freezing has been considered as one of the conventional approaches to restore and preserve food. Normally, the food gets stale at room temperature due to the microorganisms. Storing food in low temperatures such as in the refrigerator restricts the microorganisms from growing on it, keeping it fresh for longer.

What is Melting 

Melting is the process of solid changing into a liquid due to rise in temperature. When the temperature of a solid rises, its molecules gain energy and start moving freely to change their structure. For example, butter melts when heated on the pan and chocolate melts in sunlight. Other such examples include wax turning into liquid when a candle is burning. Melting is also a reversible process; the solid that changes into a liquid can return to its original state without heat or rising temperature. The temperature at which a solid starts turning into liquid is called its melting point. 

The melting process is used widely in food preparation, industrial manufacturing and glass making. You can see ice cubes melting outside the freezer at room temperature due to rise in temperature. There are many other things around us that we see melting around us everyday such as ice cream, chocolates and cheese.

What is the Difference between Freezing and Melting 

The main difference between freezing and melting is the change in state. In freezing, liquid turns into solid, while during the melting process, solid turns liquid. These two processes are reversed to each other with one having a freezing point and other having a melting point. By understanding the differences between freezing and melting, we can easily relate to a lot of things happening around us. Here are some key differences between freezing and melting: 

Freezing and Melting Points of Water

• Freezing Point of Water: The freezing point of water is the temperature at which water turns into ice. It is 0° Celsius or 32° Fahrenheit. As both processes, freezing and melting, are transitions between solid and liquid states of water, it is the tipping point at which both states can coexist with each other. 
• Melting Point of Water: The melting point of water is the temperature at which ice turns into water. Both solid and liquid can coexist at this temperature for a very short duration of time. Salt or any other impurities can alter the melting point of water.