AIM : Study of the Depression in

Freezing Point of Ice on Adding a

Nonvolatile Solute

The aim of this experiment is to investigate how adding a

nonvolatile solute affects the freezing point of ice. This study is
based on the principle of freezing point depression, which
occurs when a solute is dissolved in a solvent, lowering the
temperature at which the solvent solidifies.
By conducting this experiment, you can explore the
relationship between concentration and freezing point
depression, demonstrating how solute particles disrupt the
formation of ice crystals. This phenomenon has important
applications in fields like chemistry, engineering, and
environmental science—such as preventing roads from
freezing in winter by adding salt to water.
***** Abstract *****
This experiment investigates the depression
in the freezing point of water when a
nonvolatile solute (sodium chloride) is added.
By preparing solutions of varying
concentrations and measuring their freezing
points using an ice-salt bath, the data reveals
a linear relationship between solute molality
and freezing point depression, confirming
theoretical predictions based on colligative
properties.
Introduction
The freezing point of a substance is the
temperature at which its solid and liquid phases
are in equilibrium. When a solute is added to a
solvent like water, the freezing point of the
resulting solution is lower than that of the pure
solvent. This phenomenon is known as freezing
point depression, a type of colligative property—
one that depends solely on the number of solute
particles in a solution, not their identity.

Freezing point depression occurs because the

presence of solute particles disrupts the formation
of the solid structure (ice) in the solvent. As a
result, more energy must be removed from the
solution for it to solidify, lowering its freezing
point.
Theory
Colligative properties include vapor pressure lowering,
boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, and
osmotic pressure. These are influenced only by the
number of solute particles, not their type.

The freezing point depression equation is given by:

ΔTf = i × Kf × m

Where:
ΔTf = Change in freezing point
i = van’t Hoff factor (for NaCl, i = 2)
Kf = Freezing point depression constant (1.86
°C·kg/mol for water)
m = Molality

This theory is used in practical applications such as de-

icing, antifreeze solutions, and food preservation.
Objectives
- To study how adding a nonvolatile solute affects the
freezing point of ice.
- To demonstrate that freezing point depression is
directly proportional to solute concentration.
- To compare experimental values with theoretical
predictions.
- To understand practical implications of the
phenomenon.
Materials and Apparatus
- Distilled water
- Sodium chloride (NaCl)
- Analytical balance
- Beakers and test tubes
- Measuring cylinder
- Thermometer
- Ice cubes
- Table salt
- Stirring rod
- Stopwatch
- Lab notebook
Experimental Procedure
Step 1). Gathering Materials
Before beginning, ensure all equipment is clean to avoid
contamination:
 Distilled water to act as the solvent.
 Nonvolatile solutes like sodium chloride (NaCl)
and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
 Beakers (250 mL) to prepare solutions.
 Digital balance for precise weighing.
 Graduated cylinder or pipette for accurate
volume measurement.
 Ice bath to cool solutions efficiently.
 Laboratory thermometer to measure freezing
points.
 Stirring rod to ensure complete dissolution.
Step 2). Solution Preparation
1. Prepare Pure Water Sample (Control):
o Pour 100 mL of distilled water into a clean
beaker.
o Label the beaker as "Pure Water (Control)".
2. Prepare NaCl Solution:
o Weigh 5.85 grams of NaCl (for 0.1 molal solution).
o Add it to 100 mL of distilled water in a new
beaker.
o Stir continuously until the salt dissolves completely.
o Label the beaker as "NaCl Solution".
3. Prepare Glucose Solution:
o Weigh 18 grams of glucose (for 0.1 molal solution).
o Add it to 100 mL of distilled water in another
beaker.
o Stir until completely dissolved.
o Label the beaker as "Glucose Solution".
STEP 3: Freezing Point Measurement
A. Measuring Freezing Point of Pure Water
1. Place the beaker of distilled water into an
ice bath.
o Ensure the water is in direct contact with
the cold surface.
o Stir lightly to ensure uniform cooling.
2. Monitor the temperature with a
thermometer.
o Record readings every 30 seconds.
o When ice crystals begin to appear, note
the freezing point.
o This serves as the baseline (expected
~0°C).
step4). Measuring Freezing Point of NaCl and
Glucose Solutions
1. Repeat the process with the NaCl solution:
o Place the beaker in the ice bath.
o Stir consistently to promote uniform cooling.
o Record temperature readings every 30
seconds.
o Identify the moment when freezing begins.
o Note the freezing point, which should be
lower than pure water.
2. Follow the same steps for the Glucose solution:
o Place in the ice bath.
o Stir periodically.
o Record readings until ice crystals form.
o Note the freezing point.
OBSERVATION :

Observation

 ice's freezing point decreases when a nonvolatile solute is added,

preventing crystallization at the usual temperature.

 Solute particles disrupt water's hydrogen bonding, making it

harder for ice to form.

 : The effect is stronger with more dissolved particles, especially in

ionic compounds.

Sample Readings

Molality Observed Freezing Expected

Solution Type
(m) Point (°C) Depression (ΔTf)

Distilled Water
0.0 0.0 0.0
(Control)

NaCl Solution 0.1 0.37 0.37

NaCl Solution 0.2 0.74 0.74

Glucose Solution 0.1 0.18 0.18

Glucose Solution 0.2 0.36 0.36

These observations align with theoretical principles and demonstrate

real-world applications of freezing point depression
Analysis
 NaCl produces a greater freezing point depression
because it dissociates into Na⁺ and Cl⁻, doubling
the effective number of solute particles.
 Glucose, being a non-electrolyte, remains as single
molecules and has a lower impact on freezing
point.
 The freezing point depression increases with
molality, verifying the colligative property
principle.
Results and Interpretation
The freezing point decreases linearly with
increasing solute concentration. The experiment
confirms the theoretical model and supports the
idea that freezing point depression is a colligative
property.

Applications
- De-icing roads
- Antifreeze in vehicles
- Cryopreservation
- Frozen food industry
PRECAUTIONS

1. Use Pure Solvent and Solute – Ensure that the water and solute used are free from
impurities, as contaminants can affect the freezing point.

2. Accurate Measurement – Precisely measure the mass of the solute and the volume
of the solvent to maintain consistency and obtain reliable results.

3. Proper Mixing – Stir the solution thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the
solute in the solvent.

4. Control Temperature – Use a well-calibrated thermometer and maintain steady

environmental conditions to minimize external temperature fluctuations.

5. Avoid Supercooling – Ensure that the solution is allowed to freeze naturally rather
than being subjected to rapid cooling, which can lead to inaccurate observations.

6. Use Clean Containers – Conduct the experiment in clean and dry glassware to
prevent unwanted interactions between the solute and impurities.

7. Record Observations Promptly – Note changes in freezing point immediately to

avoid errors due to temperature variations.

8. Handle Chemicals Safely – If working with chemical solutes, follow safety

precautions such as wearing gloves and goggles.
Error Analysis and Limitations
- Supercooling before ice formation
- Imprecise measurements
- Heat loss to surroundings
- Incomplete solute dissolution
To reduce errors: repeat trials, calibrate equipment, and
insulate the setup.
 Potential sources of error:
o Imprecise temperature measurement.
o Incomplete solute dissolution.
 Ways to improve accuracy:
o Use high-precision digital thermometers.
o Increase sample size to reduce variability.
Conclusion
The study of freezing point depression highlights
key principles of colligative properties and
molecular interactions. Adding a nonvolatile solute
to a solvent disrupts phase equilibrium, lowering
the freezing point, as explained by Raoult's Law.
This phenomenon has practical applications, such
as de-icing roads and antifreeze solutions. Scientists
also use it to develop cryoprotectants for
preserving biological samples at subzero
temperatures. The extent of freezing point
depression depends on solute concentration,
making it a vital concept in chemistry and
thermodynamics. Understanding this effect helps in
various scientific and industrial advancements,
showcasing the profound impact of molecular
interactions.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS :

1)NCERT Class 12 Chemistry textbook (Chapter on Solutions).

2)Reference books like Modern`s ABC(class 12 chemistry) and Pradeep

(class 12 chemistry)

APPS :

STUDOCO

ONLINE WEBSITES :

1)[Link]
depression-chemistry-class-12-by-mrs-shubhada-walawalkar/237510621

2) Reference materials from educational websites like Khan Academy or

Coursera.

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