There are several chemical deicers available to the homeowner for melting ice. The most common contain sodium chloride (rock salt) or calcium chloride as the active ingredient. Calcium chloride products usually cost more than sodium chloride products but are generally more effective at melting ice at lower temperatures. In this JCE Classroom Activity, students perform a series of tests with deicers to decide which works better at melting ice and then decide if calcium chloride deicer is worth the extra cost.
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