How does salt make icy roads safe?
In: 28
Technically, it does not make them “safe,” so much as removes a more dangerous condition (ie. Low friction surfaces) from being *as much* of an effect on people’s “normal” driving abilities ***if they must drive*** in those less than ideal conditions.
Chemically, however… Salt generally lowers the freezing temperature of water a significant amount (something like a 5 to 1 “absorption” (not absorption) ratio… Meaning, it’s pretty efficient).
So, if it’s 31F outside, and you apply salt to ice … There’s a pretty good chance that part of the ice will melt. Water is less slippery than ice, so “conditions improve.”
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