question_answer

Explain why freezing point of a solvent is lowered on dissolving a non-volatile solute in it. Give an important application of freezing point depression.  

Answer:

When a non-volatile solute is dissolved in a solvent its vapour pressure decreases. Hence, vapour pressure of solvent and solution becomes equal at lower temperature. Application of freezing point depression - To prepare antifreeze mixture used in radiators of vehicles.