What is the latent heat of fusion for freshwater ice?

The latent heat of fusion for freshwater ice is the amount of energy required to convert ice at 0 degrees Celsius to water at the same temperature, without changing the temperature of the substance itself. This process involves breaking the hydrogen bonds holding the water molecules in a solid state without increasing the temperature.

For freshwater ice, the accepted value of latent heat of fusion is approximately 144 BTUs per pound. This value is significant in applications such as refrigeration and air conditioning, where ice or freezing processes are involved, indicating how much heat must be absorbed or removed to transform ice into water without a temperature change.

Understanding this concept is crucial for professionals in the air conditioning and refrigeration field, as it helps in calculating energy requirements for cooling systems and their efficiencies in real-world applications.