Freezing point

Definition

The freezing point is the temperature at which a liquid turns into a solid. It is the same temperature as the melting point for a given substance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1. The freezing point of water is 0°C or 32°F under standard atmospheric conditions.
2. 2. Impurities in a liquid, such as salt in water, typically lower its freezing point, a phenomenon known as freezing point depression.
3. 3. The freezing point can vary based on external pressure; higher pressures generally elevate the freezing point.
4. 4. Supercooling occurs when a liquid is cooled below its freezing point without solidifying.
5. 5. Different substances have different freezing points due to variations in molecular structure and intermolecular forces.

Review Questions

• What is the standard freezing point of water in Celsius?
• How does adding salt to water affect its freezing point?
• What term describes cooling a liquid below its freezing point without it becoming solid?

Related terms

Melting Point:

The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid; identical to the freezing point for pure substances.

Supercooling: A process where a liquid remains in the liquid state below its normal freezing point.

Freezing Point Depression:

The lowering of the freezing point of a liquid by adding solutes, such as salt or alcohol.