Question

how does the presence of solutes affect the freezing point of a solution? it raises the freezing point it has no effect it lowers the freezing point it causes fluctuations

Explanation:

When a solute is dissolved in a solvent, it disrupts the formation of the ordered lattice structure of the pure solvent during freezing. The solute particles get in the way of solvent molecules coming together to form the solid - phase. According to the colligative property of freezing - point depression, the more solute particles (in terms of molar concentration) in the solution, the lower the freezing point. This is because a lower temperature is required to overcome the disruption caused by the solute and allow the solvent to solidify.

Answer:

It lowers the freezing point.