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Which of the following factors affects the freezing point?

A) Pressure
B) Catalyst
C) Volume
D) Surface area

User Amr Salama
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Among the options provided, Pressure (A) is the factor that affects the freezing point. The presence of a solute can cause freezing point depression, a colligative property dependent on the number of dissolved particles rather than their type.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factor that affects the freezing point among the options provided is Pressure (A). The freezing point of a substance can be altered by changes in pressure. Under increased pressure, the molecules are forced closer together, which can sometimes raise the freezing point. However, for water, an increase in pressure actually lowers the freezing point slightly due to its anomalous expansion upon freezing.

In relation to colligative properties, the presence of a solute in a solvent also affects the freezing point. This is because the addition of solute particles disrupts the solvent's ability to form a solid structure, resulting in a freezing point depression. It is important to note that this depression is dependent on the number of solute particles, not their identity. Colligative properties such as freezing point depression and boiling point elevation provide insights into the effects of solutes on the physical properties of solutions.

User Attack
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