Freezing Point Depression Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the freezing point depression calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Freezing Point Depression

delta_tf = vant_hoff * kf_const * molality

New Freezing Point

new_fp = fp_pure - vant_hoff * kf_const * molality

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
kf_constCryoscopic Constant (Kf)(C-kg/mol)1.86
molalityMolality(m)0.5
vant_hoffVan't Hoff Factor (i)2
fp_pureFreezing Point of Pure Solvent(C)0

How It Works

How to Calculate Freezing Point Depression

Formula

delta_Tf = i × Kf × m

For water, Kf = 1.86 C-kg/mol. New FP = pure FP - delta_Tf.

Worked Example

0.5 m NaCl (i=2) in water.

kf_const = 1.86molality = 0.5vant_hoff = 2fp_pure = 0
  1. 01delta_Tf = 2 × 1.86 × 0.5 = 1.86 C
  2. 02New FP = 0 - 1.86 = -1.86 C