In terms of BTUs, how much energy is involved in changing the state of ice to water at 32°F?

To determine how much energy is involved in changing the state of ice to water at 32°F, it is essential to understand the concept of latent heat. Specifically, when ice melts, it requires energy to change from solid to liquid without changing its temperature. This energy is known as the latent heat of fusion.

For water, the latent heat of fusion is approximately 144 BTUs per pound. This means that to convert one pound of ice at 32°F into water at the same temperature, 144 BTUs must be absorbed by the ice in order to break the bonds holding the ice molecules in a solid structure.

Understanding this process helps clarify why the answer reflects this amount of energy needed for the phase change. The other values do not correspond to the energy required for melting ice, as 280 BTU, 1 BTU, and 320 BTU either exceed the established amount for this specific phase change or do not align with the principles of thermodynamics associated with water.