When winter arrives, ice becomes a common problem. To tackle this, people often use ice melts. Two popular choices are calcium chloride and sodium chloride. Both work by lowering water's freezing point, but they do so in different ways.

Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is widely used. It disrupts the hexagonal structure of ice, preventing it from forming. However, it's only effective down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it less useful in very cold weather.

Calcium chloride, on the other hand, works in colder temperatures. It can prevent ice formation down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because it has an exothermic reaction. When it comes into contact with water or ice, it releases heat. This heat helps to melt ice and prevent new ice from forming.

The difference between these two ice melts is clear. Sodium chloride does not release heat, so it's less effective in colder temperatures. Calcium chloride, with its heat-releasing reaction, is better suited for extreme cold.

For those dealing with icy roads, the Missouri Department of Transportation has some unique solutions. They use a basic salt brine that works down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop between 5 and 25 degrees, they add beet juice to the mix. The sugar in the beet juice helps the salt brine work better in colder temperatures and reduces the salt's corrosive properties. In temperatures between -10 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit, they add calcium chloride to the mixture.

At home, it's a good idea to use sodium chloride ice melt until temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it gets colder, calcium chloride becomes the better choice. This way, you can stay safe and mobile throughout the winter season.

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