In paraffin embedding, liquid paraffin solidifies by which process?

• A. Crystallization
• B. Evaporation
• C. Melting
• D. Polymerization

Answer: (A)

Crystallization is the process by which a liquid becomes a solid as its molecules arrange into an orderly, structured lattice as it cools. In paraffin embedding, molten paraffin solidifies when it cools, forming solid paraffin by crystallizing. Evaporation would cause loss of material as vapor, not solidification. Melting is the opposite process (solid to liquid). Polymerization would involve chemical bonding to form polymers, not the physical solidification of wax. Therefore, crystallization best explains how liquid paraffin becomes solid.