Question

The table below shows the freezing points of four substances.

Substance Freezing point (°C)
benzene
5.50
water
0.00
butane
–138
nitrogen
–210.

The substances are placed in separate containers at room temperature, and each container is gradually cooled. Which of these substances will solidify before the temperature reaches 0°C?
benzene
water
butane
nitrogen

Answer 1

Only benzene.

Reason: benzene's freezing point is 5.50°C, which is above 0°C, so it will solidify while the temperature is still above 0°C. Water freezes at 0.00°C (not before), and butane (−138°C) and nitrogen (−210°C) freeze well below 0°C.