Question
upstudy study bank question image url

Many cities have to deal with icy roads during the winter. To fix the problem,
city workers pour salt onto the roads. Which rule about the physical world are
they using?
A. Sand can also be used to treat icy roads.
B. Damage to cars resulting from salted roads has cost people
billions of dollars.
C. Many cities use salt to deice roads.
D. Salt helps ice melt at colder temperatures.

Ask by Beck Horton. in the United States
Jan 24,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

City workers use the rule that salt lowers the freezing point of ice, allowing it to melt at lower temperatures.

Solution

The rule about the physical world that city workers are using when they pour salt onto icy roads is:
D. Salt helps ice melt at colder temperatures.
This statement reflects a scientific principle regarding the freezing point depression, which explains how adding salt to ice lowers its melting point, allowing the ice to melt even when temperatures are below the normal freezing point of water.

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

The Deep Dive

When city workers pour salt onto icy roads, they are leveraging the fascinating science of freezing point depression. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing the ice to melt even at temperatures below 0°C (32°F). This is why roads are treated with salt to prevent slips and accidents!
In real-world applications, this method of de-icing not only helps keep roads safer for drivers during the winter months but also comes with its own set of challenges. Too much salt can lead to environmental issues like soil degradation and harm to plant life, prompting cities to explore more sustainable alternatives, such as beet juice or magnesium chloride!

Related Questions

Latest Chemistry Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy