What happens to ice cream salt when heated?

When ice cream salt is heated, it undergoes a series of physical and chemical changes. Here is a step-by-step description of what happens:

1. Melting: As the temperature of the salt increases, it begins to melt. The melting point of ice cream salt (also known as sodium chloride or NaCl) is 801 degrees Celsius (1,474 degrees Fahrenheit).

2. Dehydration: Once the salt has melted, it undergoes dehydration. This means that the water molecules present in the salt are driven off, leaving behind only the sodium and chloride ions.

3. Decomposition: At temperatures above the melting point, the sodium chloride molecules begin to decompose. This means that the sodium and chloride ions separate and form individual atoms.

4. Vaporization: At extremely high temperatures, the sodium and chloride atoms can vaporize. This means that they transform from a liquid state into a gaseous state.

It is important to note that the exact temperatures at which these changes occur depend on the specific conditions and composition of the ice cream salt. Additionally, the presence of impurities or other substances in the salt can affect the process and result in different outcomes.