Final answer:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is often used to de-ice roadways and sidewalks during the winter months. It lowers the freezing point of water and prevents ice from forming on the roads. Sodium chloride can be mixed with other salts to increase effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) is often used to de-ice roadways and sidewalks during the winter months. When NaCl is dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). These ions disrupt the formation of ice crystals, lowering the freezing point of water and preventing ice from forming on the roads. Sodium chloride is mixed with other salts, such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, to provide a larger depression of the freezing point and increase effectiveness.