What is the freezing point?

The freezing point is defined as the temperature at which a substance transitions from a liquid to a solid state. For example, the freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the kinetic energy of the water molecules decreases sufficiently for them to form a solid structure, which is ice.

This concept highlights important physical changes in matter, where the freezing point is specifically concerned with the freezing process, distinct from other phase changes such as boiling or evaporation. Melting, which is the process of a solid turning to a liquid, occurs at the same temperature as the freezing point for pure substances but pertains to a different phase transition. Understanding these points is essential in various fields, including meteorology, culinary science, and chemical engineering.