Melting point of ice decreases with increase in pressure

In summary, increasing pressure on ice causes its melting point to decrease. This is due to the fact that increased pressure compresses the molecules of ice, making it more difficult for them to maintain their solid structure. The melting point of ice decreases at a constant rate as pressure increases, known as the Clapeyron equation. However, there is a limit to how much pressure can decrease the melting point, and at extremely high pressures, the melting point may start to increase again due to changes in the molecular structure of ice. This phenomenon has important implications for the behavior of ice in different environments, such as glaciers and ice caps, and can also impact the formation of ice on bodies of water.
  • #1
Fiona Rozario
55
1
Can someone please explain why the melting point of ice decreases with increase in pressure?
I understand that generally speaking for a solid, greater the pressure applied, greater energy needed to break the bonds to change state and hence greater the temperature (melting point). What is the case with ice?
 
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  • #2
Ice expands at it freezes and contracts as it melts. So with increased pressure it is energetically more favorable to melt than to freeze. In order to remain at the melting point, temperature must decrease to compensate for increased pressure.
 

Related to Melting point of ice decreases with increase in pressure

1. What is the effect of pressure on the melting point of ice?

Increasing pressure on ice causes its melting point to decrease.

2. Why does the melting point of ice decrease with increasing pressure?

This is due to the fact that increased pressure compresses the molecules of ice, making it more difficult for them to maintain their solid structure and resulting in a lower melting point.

3. How does the melting point of ice change with different levels of pressure?

The melting point of ice decreases at a constant rate as pressure increases. This relationship is known as the Clapeyron equation.

4. Is there a limit to how much pressure can decrease the melting point of ice?

Yes, there is a limit to how much pressure can decrease the melting point of ice. At extremely high pressures, the melting point may eventually start to increase again due to changes in the molecular structure of ice.

5. How does this phenomenon affect the properties of ice in different environments?

The ability of pressure to decrease the melting point of ice has important implications for the behavior of ice in various environments, such as glaciers and ice caps. It can also impact the formation of ice on bodies of water, as the increased pressure at the bottom of the body of water can cause the ice to melt at a lower temperature.

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