Freezing Point

The freezing point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid state. It is the temperature at which the vapor pressure of the solid and the liquid phases are equal and the substances exist in equilibrium. The freezing point is a characteristic property of a substance and can be used to identify and purify it.

Factors Affecting Freezing Point

The freezing point of a substance can be affected by various factors, including:

1. Pressure: Generally, an increase in pressure leads to a decrease in the freezing point of a substance, and a decrease in pressure leads to an increase in the freezing point.
2. Impurities: The presence of impurities in a substance can lower its freezing point. This is known as freezing point depression.
3. Molecular Size and Structure: The size and structure of molecules can also affect the freezing point of a substance.

Study Guide

To understand the concept of freezing point, it is important to:

1. Learn about the molecular structure and intermolecular forces of different substances.
2. Understand the concept of equilibrium between the solid and liquid phases of a substance at its freezing point.
3. Explore the effects of impurities and pressure on the freezing point of a substance.
4. Practice solving problems related to freezing point depression and elevation.

Additional resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, and hands-on experiments can also aid in understanding the concept of freezing point.