Which process is primarily involved in the melting of ice?

• A. Sensible heat transfer
• B. Latent heat transfer
• C. Conduction heat transfer
• D. Radiation heat transfer

Answer: (B)

The primary process involved in the melting of ice is latent heat transfer. Latent heat is the heat energy that is absorbed or released during a phase change of a substance, without causing a change in temperature. When ice melts, it absorbs heat from its surroundings, which is the latent heat of fusion. This energy is required to break the molecular bonds in the solid state, allowing the ice to transition into the liquid state.

In contrast, other forms of heat transfer, such as sensible heat transfer, involve a direct temperature change of a substance without a phase transition. Conduction heat transfer refers to the process of heat transfer through direct contact of materials, and radiation heat transfer involves transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. None of these processes specifically account for the energy required for the ice to undergo the phase change of melting, making latent heat transfer the correct answer.