Deicer Magnesium Chloride
Deicer Analysis of MgCl2
Dalena Khothsombath *†
Group Members: James Deringer, Jeff Tanaka, and Yang Zhao
Group 3
“I pledge that this report, the data in it, and interpretations are my work, except where referenced. I have neither obtained nor given aid on this assignment outside of data discussions with my lab team. “ Signed_________________________________________
Abstract
A common road salt, magnesium chloride, was analyzed in the lab to test its effectiveness as a road salt. The Van’t Hoff factor of the salt and the enthalpy of dissolution when dissolved in pure water were experimentally tested to evaluate its many characteristics as a deicer. To determine the Van’t Hoff factor, the difference of temperatures of freezing water and a solution of magnesium chloride was determined. A Van’t Hoff factor average of 2.88 was found, which is close to the ideal Van’t Hoff factor value of 3. The enthalpy of dissolution was found using calorimetry. Various amounts of magnesium chloride were added to water finding the heat of reaction for each trial. Depending on how many moles of magnesium chloride were present in each solution, the enthalpy of dissolution was then calculated which gave an average of -151.45 kJ/mol making the reaction exothermic. Magnesium chloride was compared to three other road salts to determine which of the road salts was the best for Minnesota’s winter roads. Due to the ability to lower the freezing point of water, the substantial value of enthalpy change, the least cost effective, and non-harmful effects to the environment it makes the best chloride deicer out of potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride.
Introduction Minnesota roads are known to become increasingly dangerous once temperatures reach below 0°C. To make the roads less of a hazard in the winters, the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation has adapted to coat the roads with salts to deice the roads. Deicers are used to eliminate or reduce
Dalena Khothsombath *†
Group Members: James Deringer, Jeff Tanaka, and Yang Zhao
Group 3
“I pledge that this report, the data in it, and interpretations are my work, except where referenced. I have neither obtained nor given aid on this assignment outside of data discussions with my lab team. “ Signed_________________________________________
Abstract
A common road salt, magnesium chloride, was analyzed in the lab to test its effectiveness as a road salt. The Van’t Hoff factor of the salt and the enthalpy of dissolution when dissolved in pure water were experimentally tested to evaluate its many characteristics as a deicer. To determine the Van’t Hoff factor, the difference of temperatures of freezing water and a solution of magnesium chloride was determined. A Van’t Hoff factor average of 2.88 was found, which is close to the ideal Van’t Hoff factor value of 3. The enthalpy of dissolution was found using calorimetry. Various amounts of magnesium chloride were added to water finding the heat of reaction for each trial. Depending on how many moles of magnesium chloride were present in each solution, the enthalpy of dissolution was then calculated which gave an average of -151.45 kJ/mol making the reaction exothermic. Magnesium chloride was compared to three other road salts to determine which of the road salts was the best for Minnesota’s winter roads. Due to the ability to lower the freezing point of water, the substantial value of enthalpy change, the least cost effective, and non-harmful effects to the environment it makes the best chloride deicer out of potassium chloride, sodium chloride, and calcium chloride.
Introduction Minnesota roads are known to become increasingly dangerous once temperatures reach below 0°C. To make the roads less of a hazard in the winters, the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation has adapted to coat the roads with salts to deice the roads. Deicers are used to eliminate or reduce
References: 1Profmaster.com. “Heat Capacity with Dissolved Solids.” (accessed October 17, 2012). http://profmaster.blogspot.com/2009/02/heat-capacity-with-dissolved-solids.html 2Wikipedia. “Solubility Table.” (accessed October 18, 2012). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solubility_table 3 Student Room. (accessed October 18, 2012). http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=847759 4Ask The Builder. “Deicing Facts.” (accessed October 18, 2012). http://www.askthebuilder.com/deicing-facts/ 5WorldWideWolfe. “Enthalpies of Solution, Fusion, and Vaporization.” (accessed October 18, 2012). http://www.mindspring.com/~drwolfe/WWWolfe_dat_enthalpies.htm