Calculating Freezing Point of 50% Antifreeze Radiator Fluid

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SUMMARY

The freezing point of a 50% antifreeze radiator fluid, primarily composed of ethylene glycol, is calculated using the freezing point depression formula. The molar mass of ethylene glycol is 62.07 g/mol, and the correct calculation for the freezing point involves considering the colligative properties of the solution. The freezing point of pure water is 0°C, and the freezing point depression constant for water is 1.86°C kg/mol. The accurate freezing point for a 50% ethylene glycol solution is approximately -37°C, not -15°C as initially calculated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of colligative properties in chemistry
  • Knowledge of freezing point depression calculations
  • Familiarity with molar mass and its significance in solution chemistry
  • Basic principles of solution concentration (mass percent)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the freezing point depression formula in detail
  • Learn about colligative properties and their applications in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the properties of ethylene glycol and its uses in antifreeze solutions
  • Investigate the effects of different concentrations of antifreeze on freezing point
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, automotive engineers, and anyone involved in fluid dynamics or thermal management systems will benefit from this discussion.

sunnyorange
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What is the freezing point of radiator fluid that is 50% antifreeze by mass? for water is 1.86 .

I used
delta: K_fc_m
First I found the molar mass of ethylene glycol to be 62.07 g/mol. Then I multiplied 1/62.06 by 500g/1 kg to get 8.06 mol/kg for cm. I plugged these values in and got 15 C. However it is incorrect. I then thought to say that -15C was the freezing point, this was also wrong.

Please help!
 
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What's the other 50% of the radiator fluid?
 
Usually water.
 
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