What is a solution that cannot dissolve any more solute under given conditions?

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 1, 2017

I think you speak of a #"saturated solution"#, but you have not defined it correctly....

Explanation:

See this old answer.

By definition a saturated solution, contains an amount of solute equal to that amount of dissolved solute that would be in equilibrium with undissolved solute.

#"Undissolved solute(s) "stackrel("solvent")rightleftharpoons" Dissolved solute(aq)"#

Saturation thus refers to an equilibrium condition. However, we could also make a #"supersaturated solution"#, in which the solvent contains a greater amount of solute than would be in equilibrium with undissolved.

Be careful with these definitions, because examiners get very particular when they write a question, and a sloppy answer will bite you in the #"burro"#.

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