Melting point: Also called liquefaction point of a solid is the temperature at which

it changes state from solid to liquid. At the melting point the solid and liquid
phase exist in equilibrium. The melting point occurs at atmospheric pressure.

The melting point range is affected by a number of factors in addition to

that of purity. Particle size, amount of material used, density of packing
in the capillary tube, thickness of the capillary tube and the rate of heating
of the liquid bath.

Purpose:
The purpose of this laboratory exercise is to identify and assess the purity
of an unknown solid organic compound by determining its melting point
and comparing this number to a list of possible compounds.

Since the melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes state
from solid to liquid and the Boiling point of paraffin is > 370 °C. Due to its higher
boiling point, liquid paraffin it easily reaches desired temperature (200-250 °C)
without boiling Therefore, liquid paraffin is used in melting point determination.