Addition of sodium chloride to water to form a solution would lead to?
Answer Details
The addition of sodium chloride to water to form a solution would lead to a decrease in freezing point and an increase in boiling point. This effect is known as colligative properties, which depend on the concentration of solute particles in a solution.
When sodium chloride dissolves in water, it breaks down into sodium ions and chloride ions. These ions occupy space between water molecules and interfere with the formation of ice crystals during freezing. As a result, the freezing point of the solution is lowered below that of pure water. This is why we use salt to de-ice roads and sidewalks during the winter season.
Similarly, the presence of solute particles in a solution also raises the boiling point of the solution. The increased concentration of solute particles in the solution causes a decrease in the vapor pressure of the solvent (water), making it harder for the solvent molecules to escape into the gas phase. This means that more energy is required to bring the solution to its boiling point compared to pure water.
In summary, the addition of sodium chloride to water forms a solution with lower freezing point and higher boiling point compared to pure water.