Question

Why does a solute depress the freezing point?

a. the solute is colder than the solvent.
b. the solute disrupts crystal formation by the solvent.
c. the solute tends to sink to the bottom of the solution.
d. the solute has bigger molecules than the solvent.

Answer 1

In order to achieve a solid, the solution must be cooled to an even lower temperature. The freezing point depression can also be explained in terms of vapor pressure. Adding solute to a solvent will essentially dilute the solvent molecules, and according to Raoult's law, this leads to a decrease in vapor pressure.

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Answer 2

b The solute disrupts crystal formation by the solvent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solute disrupts the sovent's ability to form crystal lattice thereby lowering the temperature of the solvent known as freezing point depression.

The freezing point depression is the decrease of freezing point on addition of a volatile solute.