Melting point

The melting point of a solid is the temperature at which it changes state from solid to liquid.

When considered as the temperature of the reverse change, it is referred to as the freezing point. For example, the melting point of the element mercury is 234.32 kelvins (−38.83 °C or −37.89 °F). Certain materials, such as glass, may harden without crystalizing; this is called an amorphous solid.

Unlike the boiling point, the melting point is relatively insensitive to pressure.

The material with the highest known melting point at atmospheric pressure is graphite, with a melting point of 3948 kelvins.

See also

• phases of matter
• triple point
• Freezing-point depression