Question

What is the driving force for water to freeze below 0 degree C? what is the driving force for ice to melt above 0 degree C?

Answer 1

Thermal energy?

Answer 2

I think so too.

Answer 3

I would go with that. Nothing else is coming to mind.

Answer 4

thanks

Answer 5

hey, i'm not clearly understand the concept of driving force. Can you explain it in simple language for me?

Answer 6

I would describe driving force as the mechinism that forces a reaction to occur.

Answer 7

I was a little confused by that wording as well. I would understand it to mean the main mechanism by which the process occurs.

In this example, if we remove enough thermal energy from the water, the molecules will slow down. This reduction in kinetic energy allows the molecules to form greater inter-molecular bonds, eventually becoming a solid.

Answer 8

It might also be worth considering the IMFs as well as the KE, and which is "stronger" as the water heats up and cools down.

As the water molecules slow down when water cools, their IMFs have time to "grab onto" neighboring water molecules and the water solidifies into ice.

As solid water heats up, the KE begins to overtake the IMFs and the molecules break free of their crystal structure and melt.