How to Find a Freezing Point

The freezing point of any solution can be found using the freezing point constant and the freezing point depression formula. The basic idea is that the freezing point of a solution is related to how much solute (dissolved additive) there is in the solution and the freezing point of the pure solvent (the substance in the greatest amount.) If there is very little solute present, then the freezing point will be close to the freezing point of the pure solvent. However, if you add a large amount of solute, then the new freezing point could be significantly different.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen and Paper
  • Digital Balance
  • Calculator
  • Periodic Table
  • Chemistry Handbook or Kf (Freezing Point Constant) Values for Solvent
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Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh out the mass of the solvent (the substance in greatest amount) and the solute before mixing the solution. If you have a pre-mixed solution, record the masses in grams for each from the label.

    • 2

      Calculate the number of moles of solute by multiplying the amount in grams by the molar mass of the substance. Use a periodic table to find the molar mass.

    • 3

      Divide the moles of solute by the amounts of solvent in kg. This gives you the molality of the solution in moles solute/kg solvent.

    • 4

      Use a handbook in chemistry or a sheet over printed values to find the freezing point constant of the solvent. Multiply this constant by the molality from step 3 to find the freezing point depression. This tells you how much the freezing point has been lowered from the pure solvent.

    • 5

      Look up the value of the freezing point of the pure solvent, e.g. 0 degrees Celsius for water. The new freezing point will be this value minus the depression value from step 4.

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