How does rock salt melt ice?
2007-01-12 06:46:36 · 7 answers · asked by jacque_sue89 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
It lowers it's melting temerature by increasing its density.
tc
2007-01-12 06:51:32 · answer #1 · answered by timc_fla 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The main mechanism is that "salty water" has a much, much lower point of freezing; the salt is probably initially combined with incredibly small amounts of water (from the air, or more often from melted ice as a result of other actions - like the heat from friction) and those small quantities of salty water start melting the ice - forming more water, that is combined with salt and continues the cycle.
2007-01-12 06:59:03 · answer #2 · answered by cc 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any salt will do it, not just rock salt. Salty water has a lower freezing point than fresh water. Putting salt on the ice doesn't change the temperature but it does lower the freezing temperature. This causes the ice to melt.
If the temperature is low enough, salt water will freeze so salt will make no difference when it is very cold.
2007-01-12 06:52:44 · answer #3 · answered by tentofield 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Salt is Sodium chloride. Ice is frozen Dihydrogen monoxide. the Sodium cloride reacts with the frozen water, causing a release of energy which gives off heat, thus melting the ice. How do I know? College Chemistry 101.
2007-01-12 06:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There are several that will work better. Salt water will not freeze until about 26 deg F. So if it is 20 deg. F. or below it is worthless.
2007-01-12 10:07:00 · answer #5 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it improves heat conductivity to melt it faster when it's warm. and lowers the freezing point so water does not freeze again when it gets colder
2007-01-12 06:52:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
how does any salt melt ice?
2007-01-12 06:50:48 · answer #7 · answered by HEYYEAH! 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋