During melting of a slab of ice at 273 K under atmospheric pressure, which statement is correct?
Options

Question

During melting of a slab of ice at 273 K under atmospheric pressure, which statement is correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

When ice melts at 273 K, the volume decreases because liquid water is denser than ice. For the system, ΔV < 0. The work done by the system against atmospheric pressure is W(by system) = PΔV, which is negative. Therefore the atmosphere does positive work on the ice-water system. Also, heat is absorbed as latent heat, so the internal energy does not decrease or remain unchanged. Correct option: B.