When a solid is heated, its particles gain energy and start vibrating more rapidly. Here's a simple explanation:
Increased Particle Vibration:
In a solid, particles (atoms, molecules, or ions) are closely packed and have a fixed position due to strong attractive forces.
When heat is added, the particles absorb this energy and start vibrating more vigorously.
Breaking Bonds:
The increased vibration weakens the forces holding the particles in a fixed position.
In a solid, particles are connected by bonds (like in a crystal lattice). As they gain energy, these bonds may start to break.
Phase Transition to Liquid:
If enough heat is applied and the particles gain sufficient energy, the solid undergoes a phase transition to become a liquid.
The particles are now free to move past each other, and the substance has turned from a rigid structure (solid) to a more fluid one (liquid).
In summary, heating a solid increases the kinetic energy of its particles, causing them to vibrate more and potentially break the bonds holding them in a fixed structure. This leads to the phase transition from a solid to a liquid.