In: Chemistry
Describe a real world situation where the properties of a solution are different from those of its solvent and where this is beneficial.
Solutions exhibit higher boiling points and lower melting points than the parent solvent. The increase in boiling point and decrease in melting point is dependent upon the number of solute particles in the solution. The greater the number of solute particles, the greater the boiling point elevation and melting point depression. A common application of this effect is in the use of antifreeze solutions in the cooling systems of automobiles in cold climates. Antifreeze compounds are usually organic liquids generally ethylene glycols that are miscible with water so that large freezing point effects can be attained.