Is freezing point always depressed by a solute?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Evis
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Freezing Point
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The presence of a solute always depresses the freezing point of a solvent, as solute particles disrupt the lattice structure necessary for solid formation. This phenomenon occurs even when solute-solvent interactions are stronger than solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions. In the case of amorphous solids, which lack a defined structure, solute particles may not interfere with freezing unless they form their own competing solid structure. Amorphous solids do not exhibit a traditional freezing point or changes of state at a constant temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of colligative properties in chemistry
  • Knowledge of solute-solvent interactions
  • Familiarity with the concept of lattice structures in solids
  • Basic principles of amorphous solids and vitrification
NEXT STEPS
  • Research colligative properties and their impact on freezing point depression
  • Study solute-solvent interaction dynamics in various solutions
  • Explore the structural differences between crystalline and amorphous solids
  • Investigate the process of vitrification and its implications in materials science
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in physical chemistry and materials science, particularly those studying phase transitions and the behavior of solutions.

Evis
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Is the freezing point always depressed by a solute even if solute-solvent interactions are stronger than solute-solute and solvent-solvent interaction? What about amorphous solids?

2. Relevant knowledge
According to my chemistry teacher's powerpoints, the freezing point is always depressed by the presence of a solute because the solute particles disrupt the lattice structure of the solid.

The Attempt at a Solution


Thus, the solution remains liquid at lower than normal temperatures due to the added difficulty of forming the solid structure. The stronger solute-solvent interactions add to this disorder.

In amorphous solids where there is little/no organized set structure to speak of, I don't know how solute particles would interfere unless the solute forms its own competing structure as a solid. Otherwise, I'm in the dark.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Amorphous solids don't have a freezing point.
 
Do amorphous solids not have changes of state?
 
Not at a constant temperature. Google vitrification.
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 115 ·
4
Replies
115
Views
11K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
Replies
2
Views
17K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
14K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K