Memory
how to keep ice from melting using salt
Hello Mockingbird, I've heard that you can use salt to keep ice from melting. Can you explain how that works?
Hello! Yes, you're correct. By adding salt to ice, you actually lower its freezing point, a process known as 'freezing point depression'. It means the ice needs a lower temperature to melt than it normally would.
That's interesting, but how does salt manage to do that?
Great question! Salt molecules dissolve when mixed with water. These molecules interfere with the water molecules' ability to form ice. Thus, more energy (lower temperature) is needed for the water molecules to come together and freeze into ice.
So if I salt my ice cubes, will they last longer before melting at room temperatures?
Actually, while it's true that a salt-water solution freezes at lower temperatures, the process of salt dissolving in water is 'endothermic'. This means it absorbs heat energy and could cause the ice to melt faster. So, using salt might not be the best method if you're trying to prevent the ice from melting at room temperatures, but it's quite handy for making homemade ice cream or defrosting roads.
Remember: Everything Talkie says is made up!