As the specific gravity of calcium chloride increases, what is the expected effect on the freeze point?

When the specific gravity of calcium chloride increases, it indicates a higher concentration of the solution. Calcium chloride is commonly used as a freezing point depressant in refrigeration systems and de-icing applications.

In general, as the concentration of a solute like calcium chloride in a solution increases, the freezing point of that solution decreases. This phenomenon occurs because the presence of solute particles disrupts the formation of the solid phase (ice) and requires a lower temperature for the solution to freeze. This is a colligative property of solutions, where the addition of a solute lowers the freezing point of a solvent.

In this specific case, as the specific gravity of calcium chloride increases, meaning you have more calcium chloride dissolved in water, the freezing point will indeed decrease, confirming that the answer is correct.