What is the term for the temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid?

The term for the temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid is known as the melting point. At this specific temperature, the particles in the solid gain enough energy to overcome their rigid structure, allowing them to move freely and transition into the liquid state. This process is crucial in understanding phase changes in materials, as it indicates a fundamental characteristic of the substance, where thermal energy leads to a change in physical state.

In contrast, the freezing point refers to the temperature at which a liquid changes into a solid, which can be the same temperature for many substances, but it’s specifically the transition in the opposite direction. The boiling point relates to the temperature at which a liquid transitions to a gas, marking another distinct phase change. Heating point, while it suggests an increase in temperature, is not a formal term used to describe a specific phase transition. Therefore, melting point is the most accurate and relevant term for the process of a solid turning into a liquid.