Question

mathematically, why can you not use the specific heat equation during a change in physical state? ($q = mcdelta t$)
no heat is added during a change of physical state.
actually you can use that equation.
because during a change in physical state the change in temperature is zero so any answer would be the same as the heat capacity.
because during a change in physical state the change in temperature is zero so any answer would be zero

Explanation:

The specific heat equation \( q = mc\Delta T \) requires a non - zero change in temperature (\(\Delta T\)). During a change in physical state (like melting or boiling), the temperature remains constant (\(\Delta T=0\)). Substituting \(\Delta T = 0\) into the equation \(q = mc\Delta T\) gives \(q = 0\), which is incorrect because heat is actually absorbed or released during phase changes (latent heat).

Answer:

Because during a change in physical state the change in temperature is zero so any answer would be zero.