Melting is the process by which a solid becomes a liquid when heated, making it the correct answer. The other phase transitions refer to different changes in state.

Evaporation involves the transformation of a liquid to a gas when molecules gain enough energy to break free from the liquid surface. The other options describe different phase transitions.

Condensation is the transition from a gas to a liquid and occurs when gas molecules lose energy. The other processes involve transitions between different states of matter.

Sublimation is the process by which a solid transforms directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. The other answers refer to different types of phase transitions.

Freezing is the process in which a liquid changes into a solid as its temperature is lowered. The other options describe different phase transitions.

During melting, a substance absorbs latent heat to weaken the intermolecular bonds, allowing it to change from a solid to a liquid without a temperature change. The other processes generally involve the release of latent heat.

Deposition is the process in which gas transitions directly into a solid, releasing latent heat as the particles lose energy and bond together. The other options describe transitions that either require heat absorption or involve different phases.

In most substances where the solid is denser than the liquid, increased pressure forces the particles closer together, thereby raising the melting point. This effect is a consequence of Le Chatelier's principle as the equilibrium between solid and liquid phases shifts.

Evaporation removes the most energetic molecules from the liquid, which reduces the average kinetic energy and thus lowers the temperature. This endothermic process results in cooling of the remaining liquid.

Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released during a phase change that occurs without an accompanying change in temperature. The other terms refer to heat transfer processes that result in a temperature change or describe material properties.

Condensation occurs when gas particles lose kinetic energy and come together to form a liquid, resulting in a net decrease in their energy. This loss of energy facilitates the transition to a denser phase.

Evaporation rates are directly influenced by ambient humidity since a higher concentration of water vapor in the air slows down the escape of liquid molecules. The other phase transitions are not as directly affected by the moisture content of the environment.

The hydrogen bonds in water form an open hexagonal lattice when it freezes, resulting in a structure that is less dense than liquid water. This unique property allows ice to float, which is essential for many ecological systems.

During boiling, water absorbs a large amount of heat to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid together, which causes it to change into a gas at a constant temperature. This energy is known as the latent heat of vaporization.

Dew formation occurs when air cools to its dew point and becomes saturated with water vapor, causing the gas to condense into liquid droplets. This cooling process is the primary driver of the gas-to-liquid phase transition.

Sublimation is the process in which particles in a solid gain enough energy to break free from their fixed positions and transition directly into the gas phase without becoming liquid first. The other options do not accurately describe the direct transformation from solid to gas.

The triple point is the specific combination of temperature and pressure at which a substance can exist simultaneously as a solid, liquid, and gas. This equilibrium condition is fundamental in understanding the phase behavior of materials.

Latent heat is the energy required for a phase change to occur at a constant temperature, whereas sensible heat results in a measurable change in temperature. This distinction is key in thermal physics and explains how energy is used during phase transitions.

When water boils at a constant temperature, it absorbs latent heat to change from liquid to gas without increasing in temperature. This scenario clearly demonstrates how energy is used for phase change rather than raising the temperature.

Phase transitions, particularly those involving water, play a crucial role in atmospheric energy exchanges and weather systems. Understanding these processes helps scientists predict climate patterns more accurately.