Explain why sodium chloride is used to treat the roads before a snow storm

need answer for chem homework

sodium chloride is an ionic compound that disolves in water. because all ice has some quantity of water, the soduim chloride slowly dissolves in the this water, and because it has a very high melting point, the temperature the water has to be to freeze increases.

Because there has to be an equilibruim in the concentration of water surrounding the ice, the ice will naturally melt regardless of temperature (well, depending how low) to satisfy the concentration. therefore the soduim chloride will melt the ice on the roads etc.

Salt lowers the melting point of ice and snow so when the temperature drops below 32F, the solid water will melt and make the roads less slippery.

there is a phenomena called freezing point depression. The salt makes it easier for the snow to melt