How is an #"unsaturated solution"# defined?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 12, 2016

Hmm, have to word this with care. How about, " a solution that contains less than an equilibrium quantity of solute" ?

Explanation:

The definition of a #"saturated solution"# is...........

#"a solution that contains a concentration of solute equal"# #"to that concentration that would be in equilibrium with"#
#"undissolved solute"#.

Definitions such as the the solvent holds all the solute that it can are inadequate and incorrect.

So another attempt:

#"An unsaturated solution is a solution which contains an amount"# #"of solute LESS than the amount of solute that would be"# #"equilibrium with undissolved solute".#

So again our definition of #"saturation"# refers to an equilibrium property.

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