Question

if salt is added to ice , it starts melting though the temperature of the mixture lowers to -20 degree celsius from 0 degree celsius . Explain, why ?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

Melting point depression happens due to the characteristics of solid state of substance. Melting point depression is a process responsible for lowering the melting point due to the presence of impurities in substance. This process causes the melting of ice when it is being added by salt and turned into a substance of crystalline lattices of repeating molecules. This result decrease in temperature from 0⁰C to -22⁰C. This lattice is held together by intermolecular forces which create a strong, stable structure. The solid must be heated to a certain temperature for this structure to be disrupted and for the solid to melt.

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