briefly explain how spreading salt on ice that is at a temperature below0C (32F) can cause the ice to melt
Question
briefly explain how spreading salt on ice that is at a temperature below0C (32F) can cause the ice to melt
Solution
Sure, here's a step-by-step explanation:
-
Salt lowers the freezing point of water: When salt is spread on ice, it starts to dissolve in the film of liquid water that is always present on the surface, creating a solution of water and salt.
-
This process is called "freezing point depression": The salt-water solution freezes at a lower temperature than pure water. This means that ice, which is frozen water, will start to melt even if the temperature is below the normal freezing point of water (0°C or 32°F).
-
The ice starts to melt: As the salt continues to dissolve and the concentration of the solution increases, even more ice can melt, because the freezing point continues to decrease.
-
The process continues: The more salt you add, the more the freezing point is lowered (up to a point), so even on a very cold day, salt can help to melt ice.
-
The end result: Eventually, the ice turns into liquid water, even though the temperature is below freezing. This is why salt is often used to de-ice roads and sidewalks in winter.
Similar Questions
When salt is placed on ice, the ice melts. Explainwhy this happens
explain why the solid ice melts as the temperature increases.
Salt helps to melt ice because itA. dissolves in water to form an acidB. chemically destroys the water moleculesC. lowers the temperature at which water freezesD. is attracted to concrete sidewalks below the ice
Ice melts at 0 oC. Water boils at 100 oC. When a little salt is added to pure water, the melting point will __________ and boiling point will __________.
The high specific heat of water allows the ocean to gain or lose large amounts of heat without changing temperature because the addition of salt alters the freezing temperature.Question 70Select one:TrueFalse
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.