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    Home » Science Questions » What is freezing point depression?

    What is freezing point depression?

    February 2, 2023 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Freezing point depression is when a substance lowers the freezing point of another substance. One example of this is adding salt to water. A solution of salt and water has a lower freezing point than water alone.

    Melting and freezing: a recap

    Melting is when a solid turns into a liquid. The temperature at which a solid melts is called the melting point.

    Freezing is when a liquid turns into a solid. This is called the freezing point and is generally the same as the melting point for the same substance.

    Freezing and melting are both reversible processes.

    Freezing point depression demonstrations

    Make a frosty tin can

    If you place a mixture of salt, water and ice inside a tin can, frost will appear on the outside!

    Read more
    bottle of orange juice in a metal bowl with ice and salt to demonstrate freezing point depression

    Cool a drink – FAST!

    Place a bottle or can in a bowl of water, ice and salt and you’ll find the temperature of the water drops very quickly with the added bonus of cooling down the drink inside.

    Read more
    How to make ice cream in a bag

    Make ice cream in a bag using ice and salt

    Make ice cream in a bag using the freezing power of ice and salt.

    Read more

    Adding salt to roads in winter

    Grit ( salt, gravel and stone ) is often sprayed on roads in winter to stop cars from skidding. When snow falls on a road with grit applied, it mixes with the salt, lowering the snow’s freezing point which stops ice from forming.

    Read more

    If you’re curious about space, the human body and nature don’t forget to take a look at my other science questions and answers!

    Image of a dictionary definition of freezing point depression and a can of drink in a bowl of ice and water for a science experiment

    Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

    « How to lift an ice cube with a string
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