The spelling for "melt ice" is fairly straightforward. "Melt" is spelled as /mɛlt/, with a single "e" in the middle followed by "lt." "Ice" is spelled as /aɪs/, with the two letters "i" and "e" coming together and pronounced as a long "i" sound. Overall, the spelling of "melt ice" accurately represents the sounds of the spoken word, making it easy to read and understand.
The phrase "melt ice" refers to the process of changing solid ice into liquid water through the application of heat or a rise in temperature. Ice itself is composed of water molecules arranged in a solid structure, and when heat energy is added, these molecules vibrate faster, causing the bonds holding the solid structure in place to weaken and eventually break. As a result, the ice transforms into liquid water.
To melt ice, the temperature needs to rise above the freezing point of water, which is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Typically, heat is transferred to the ice from an external source, such as direct sunlight, contact with a warmer object, or by applying heat through artificial means like a heated surface or flame. The heat energy is then absorbed by the ice, causing the molecules to gain energy and become more mobile.
As the temperature continues to rise, the ice melts gradually, transitioning from a solid state to liquid. The process is often associated with warmer weather conditions or deliberate attempts to remove ice from a surface for practical purposes, such as clearing driveways, walkways, or roads. The resulting liquid water can be easily manipulated or dispersed, making it more manageable and safe for various activities. Melted ice is crucial for tasks like providing drinking water or enabling transportation in icy regions.
The word "melt" comes from Middle English "melten", which in turn can be traced back to Old English "meltan". This Old English word has Germanic origins, specifically from the West Germanic language group. The term "melt" originally meant "to become liquid by the application of heat", and it has since retained this meaning. The word "ice" comes from Old English "īs", which is closely related to the Old High German word "īs", the Dutch word "ijs", and the Old Norse word "ís". These words all share a common Indo-European root, *h₁eyH- meaning "frost" or "ice". Therefore, combining "melt" and "ice" simply means to make ice become liquid by raising its temperature.