What process describes the change of matter from a solid to a liquid?

The process that describes the change of matter from a solid to a liquid is known as melting. This occurs when heat is applied to a solid substance, increasing the kinetic energy of its particles. As a result, the particles begin to vibrate more vigorously, overcoming the forces that hold them in a fixed structure and allowing them to move more freely, resulting in a liquid state.

Melting is a fundamental phase transition that is commonly observed in various materials, such as ice transforming into water when heated. Understanding this process is essential in fields like chemistry and physics, as it illustrates key concepts about the behavior of matter under different conditions.