An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The → vapor pressure of an ideal → solution is dependent on the vapor pressure of each chemical component and the → mole fraction of the component present in the solution. This means that the addition of → solute to a liquid lessens the tendency for the liquid to become a → solid or a → gas. For example, the addition of → salt to water causes the water to freeze below its normal → freezing point (0°C) and to boil above its normal → boiling point (100°C).

See also: After François-Marie Raoult (1830-1901), the French chemist who studied
the physical properties of chemical solutions; → law.