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Freezing

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Intro to Chemistry

Definition

Freezing is the phase transition from the liquid state to the solid state. It occurs when a liquid's temperature is lowered below its freezing point.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The freezing point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid under standard atmospheric pressure.
  2. During freezing, the kinetic energy of the molecules decreases, causing them to arrange into a fixed, orderly structure.
  3. Water has an unusual freezing point of 0°C (32°F) due to hydrogen bonding.
  4. Freezing is an exothermic process, meaning it releases heat into the surroundings.
  5. Supercooling can occur when a liquid remains in its liquid state below its normal freezing point without forming a solid.

Review Questions

  • What happens to the kinetic energy of molecules during the freezing process?
  • Why is freezing considered an exothermic process?
  • What is supercooling and how does it relate to freezing?
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