Why does salt decrease the freezing point of water?
Answer: The ions formed when salt is added to water, Na+ and Cl-, interfere with the process of freezing. In order for water to freeze, the molecules must align themselves in an ordered fashion. When there are impurities, such as salt (but any impurity will do it), they prevent the water from reaching this ordered state as easily. This requires the water to be colder before it freezes.
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