Why is salt sprinkled on the roads after it snows?

Answer 1

Salt lowers the melting point of ice.

Answer 2

to melt the ice
In Denver,Co they do not use salt after a snowstorm,hence the problems with the side streets.
They use magnesium chloride to lay on the streets after or before a snowfall. This works with light snows ,but it has not been effective this year with the storms that the West have been getting this year.
Salt is very effective for the snow and ice,but it causes damage to automobiles,and the enviroment,as does magnesium chloride.

Answer 3

To melt the ice and snoy most salt will only work with tempetures below 15 degrees / .I spent two winters in the Sierra Summit Ski Resort In CA and no salt was allowed to be put on the Roads. I have seen 38 inches fall over night .Had to keep my cabin roof top shoveled to keep from calopse.Snow was 5 to 6 FT. deep.

Answer 4

The acid in the salt melts the snow and makes the roads less slick.

Answer 5

Sodium (salt) raises the freezing point of water and will help to melt the ice and snow on the roads.
If there is enough salt, it will also help to keep future ice from forming.

Answer 6

Salt melts ice and snow

Answer 7

The aim is to melt any ice that may have frozen on the roads during a storm, and yes, salt does help. Not as much as you'd like it to however.

Answer 8

Salt further to ice will decrease the freezing aspect of water. subsequently water, which generally freezes at 32F, with salt further will freeze at a decrease temperature. So salt would not easily "soften" the ice and snow, it only facilitates the water to exist as a liquid close to its freezing aspect somewhat than a sturdy.

Answer 9

Salt melts or prevents ice from forming. Acts also has a form of traction

Answer 10

Yup, it's to help melt the ice. Also, sand is sometimes used on roads to improve traction if the ice has not had a chance to melt yet.