What is the latent heat of fusion of water?

The latent heat of fusion of water refers to the amount of energy needed to convert water from a solid state (ice) to a liquid state without changing its temperature. This process occurs at a constant temperature of 32°F (0°C) for water. The correct value for the latent heat of fusion of water is approximately 144 BTU per pound.

This value indicates that 144 BTUs of energy are required to melt 1 pound of ice into water at the freezing point. Understanding this property is essential in refrigeration practices since it plays a significant role in the efficiency of cooling systems and the melting processes in applications involving ice.

Therefore, the chosen answer is correct as it accurately reflects the energy requirement for the phase change of water from solid to liquid.