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.

Related questions
See all questions in Saturated and Supersaturated Solutions
Impact of this question
4037 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License