explain whether sodium chloride or calcium chloride would be a more effective substance to melt the ice on a slick sidewalk.
3 answers
Calcium chloride would be more effective for the melting, because calcium chloride dissociates into three ions and sodium chloride dissociates into two, so that would make the boiling point of water with calcium chloride higher. Therefore, it shouldn't be used to melt ice over sodium chloride, as it would make the water have a higher boiling point so wouldn't melt it as well!
I disagree with part of the statement but not all of it.
It is exactly true that NaCl dissociates into two particles and CaCl2 into three; THEREFORE, it WOULD be more effective to use CaCl2 for the melting of ice. The fact that it raises the boiling point more, which is true, doesn't have anything to do with the question and the melting point and shouldn't be a part of any conclusion about melting point.
It is exactly true that NaCl dissociates into two particles and CaCl2 into three; THEREFORE, it WOULD be more effective to use CaCl2 for the melting of ice. The fact that it raises the boiling point more, which is true, doesn't have anything to do with the question and the melting point and shouldn't be a part of any conclusion about melting point.
Thank you both :)