Road salt science

With an impactful winter storm possible next week, preparation may be on your mind. Most people are familiar with roads and sidewalks that look like this every winter. But how does this salt help clean your roads?

Water in its liquid form consists of loose molecules. This allows it to flow easily and fit the shape of the container it is in.

When water reaches its freezing point of 32 degrees or lower, the molecules are arranged more tightly giving it a solid form.

Salt does not necessarily melt ice or snow as heat increases. It just brings the freezing point of water to lower temperatures. At the molecular level, the salt molecules get in the way of the H20 bonding molecules, causing the water to return to its liquid state.

Understanding the ingredients in salt is also important when the temperature drops. The compound composition determines the effectiveness of salts at temperatures well below the freezing point.

Using a mixture of water also allows you to get more bang for your buck, as brine uses less salt to dissolve a larger area. The drawback is that freezing temperatures increase so be careful in cold temperatures. It is also important not to overuse salt as it has negative effects on the environment and to make sure to check the pet safety seal so your furry friend stays healthy.