What consequence does freezing point depression have?

Freezing point depression refers to the phenomenon where the freezing point of a solvent decreases when a solute is added. This occurs because the presence of solute particles interferes with the ability of the solvent molecules to form a solid structure. As a result, freezing occurs at a lower temperature than it would for the pure solvent alone.

For instance, when salt is added to water, the freezing point drops below 0 degrees Celsius, meaning that to freeze, the water must reach a temperature lower than its normal freezing point. This concept is significant in various applications, such as in de-icing roads in winter or understanding biological processes that depend on freezing point changes.

The correct choice points directly to the essential nature of how freezing points are altered when solutes are introduced into a solvent, accurately reflecting the principle of freezing point depression.