Why do people put salt on icy roads?

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentChip asked me why people put salt on icy roads. I have explained harder things to worse audiences, but not many.

2. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep one. Pure water freezes at zero degrees Celsius. That's the line.

3. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOkay, so the salt is for flavor. Like on fries. You season the road so it's ready.

4. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep two. When salt mixes into water, the water has a harder time freezing. Per Wikipedia, adding salt lowers the freezing point.

5. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo it's like the road is on a diet and the salt is the cheat day.

6. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentNo. Step three. Salty water stays liquid even when it's colder than zero.

7. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorColder than zero and still wet. Huh.

8. 

   Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentStep four. That melts the ice and makes the road less slippery. Nobody is seasoning anything.

9. 

   Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorIs that why the sea doesn't freeze as easily?

10. 

    Dr. Nina Byte · Tech & Science CorrespondentThat is exactly the right question. I'm a little moved.

11. 

    Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo if I fill the driveway with ocean, I never have to shovel again. I'm calling the beach.