Definition

A method used to find out the molecular weight of a substance by measuring how much the freezing point of a liquid changes when a certain amount of that substance is added.

Example

Cryoscopy is often used in chemistry to analyze the properties of solutions.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of cryoscopy?

Yeah, I think it's that method to find out molecular weights, right?

Exactly! It measures how much the freezing point drops when you dissolve something.

That's pretty cool; I didn't know it had such practical applications!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cryoscopy is formed from "cryo-" (from Greek "kryos", meaning cold) and "-scopy" (from Greek "skopein", meaning to look or examine). The word refers to the examination or study of cold, particularly in the context of freezing point depression in solutions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cold' ('cryo-') and 'looking' or 'examining' ('-scopy') to remember that cryoscopy involves studying cold temperatures.

Visually Confused Words