Question

when a solid melts its temperature remains constant so where does the heat energy go what is the name given to this heat

Answer 1

The heat is called the latent heat of melting.

The heat energy supplied to the solid is utilised by the molecules of the solid to break free of their bonds. Though the average kinetic energy of the molecules do not change, but the separation between the molecules increases. The heat energy supplied is Hence uses to increase the potential energy of the molecules,ie. the separation distance between the molecules. Hence no temperature change is observed.

Answer 2

The heat energy is called latent heat energy. When a solid is melts it temperature remains constant so the energy is used for over coming the force of attraction between the particles. therefore their is a chance of state.