What is the latent heat of fusion for water in BTUs?

The latent heat of fusion for water is the amount of heat required to convert ice at 0 degrees Celsius to water at the same temperature, without a change in temperature. This process involves breaking the hydrogen bonds between water molecules in ice to turn it into liquid water. The specific value of this heat in British thermal units (BTUs) is approximately 144 BTUs per pound of ice.

This number is important in various applications, including heating and cooling systems, because it reflects the significant energy transfer involved in phase changes. Understanding the latent heat of fusion helps engineers and operators manage energy efficiently in systems involving refrigeration, heating and cooling, and other thermodynamic cycles. The significance of the latent heat of fusion can also be recognized in many natural processes, such as the melting of ice in the environment.