Deicer Lab
Abstract Through three different experiments we were to find the quality of NaCl as a deicer. These experiments included testing the freezing point depression of NaCl in solution at two different concentrations, testing for the H of an aqueous NaCl solution, and combining NaCl with MgCl2 in an aqueous solution to test for freezing point depression. Through these various experiments we found NaCl to be the best deicer for our region due to its proficient freezing point depression and its cost efficiency.
Introduction
As scientists we were given the task to find the overall effectiveness of NaCl as a deicer. In choosing the best deicer we are comparing NaCl to KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2. We believed NaCl to be the best deicer as it is well know that NaCl is quite commonly used in the United States as a deicer on roads and sidewalks during the winter. To determine whether or not NaCl is the best deicer we administered three days of separate experiments. These experiments helped us to find our deicer’s maximum freezing point depression, its H, and its overall efficiency as a deicer. The information obtained through these experiments is crucial to public safety during the winter as the ability to melt ice on roads can be the difference in saving someone’s life. Also, to have an efficient deicer that is proficient in the conditions needed, and is economically savvy for whoever is supplying the salt for these roads is essential when testing for deicing quality.
There has been a lot of work done previously to find the most efficient deicer. We have been using salt to control snow and ice on roadways since 1930. However, we are now looking into the environmental effects of salts as deicers along with other potentially harmful effects. One current study is looking into the corrosive effects of salts on our vehicles.
Experimental
Our experiments began on day one by filling a 400ml beaker with ice and an arbitrary amount of rock salt in order for our
Introduction
As scientists we were given the task to find the overall effectiveness of NaCl as a deicer. In choosing the best deicer we are comparing NaCl to KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2. We believed NaCl to be the best deicer as it is well know that NaCl is quite commonly used in the United States as a deicer on roads and sidewalks during the winter. To determine whether or not NaCl is the best deicer we administered three days of separate experiments. These experiments helped us to find our deicer’s maximum freezing point depression, its H, and its overall efficiency as a deicer. The information obtained through these experiments is crucial to public safety during the winter as the ability to melt ice on roads can be the difference in saving someone’s life. Also, to have an efficient deicer that is proficient in the conditions needed, and is economically savvy for whoever is supplying the salt for these roads is essential when testing for deicing quality.
There has been a lot of work done previously to find the most efficient deicer. We have been using salt to control snow and ice on roadways since 1930. However, we are now looking into the environmental effects of salts as deicers along with other potentially harmful effects. One current study is looking into the corrosive effects of salts on our vehicles.
Experimental
Our experiments began on day one by filling a 400ml beaker with ice and an arbitrary amount of rock salt in order for our
References: "CORROSIVE EFFECTS OF DEICING SALTS ON AUTOMOBILES - Transport Research International Documentation - TRID." CORROSIVE EFFECTS OF DEICING SALTS ON AUTOMOBILES - Transport Research International Documentation - TRID. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013. "Deicing." The Environmental Literacy Council -. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013. "Melting Snow & Ice With Salt." About.com Chemistry. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2013.