Question

factors affecting freezing point

Answer 1

The factors on which freezing point depends on are:

1. Temperature

Molecules in a liquid have a higher kinetic energy than in solids. Molecules of a liquid can move around while molecules of a solid only vibrate at their respective positions. With decrease in temperature, the kinetic energy decreases and molecules of a liquid lose their ability to move and turn into solid. If heat equivalent to the heat of fusion is removed from the system, the liquid converts into a solid.

2. Pressure

When pressure is applied to a liquid, the particles are brought closer to each other like in a solid and the liquid freezes at a temperature lower than its normal freezing temperature.

3. Addition of impurities depresses the freezing point of a substance.