Core Stoichiometry: Solution Stoichiometry
Slide 11 of 43
Saturated, unsaturated, supersaturated
This particular solution of NaCl is referred to as an unsaturated solution. In an unsaturated solution, if more of the solute is added, it will dissolve.
But the amount of solute that can be dissolved in a solvent is not infinite.
There comes a point when addition of more solute will not change its concentration, it will not dissolve.
A saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute dissolved in the solution.
A supersaturated solution is a temporary situation where more than the maximum amount of the solute is dissolved in the solution.
–This situation could occur for example when a saturated solution is carefully cooled to a lower temperature.
Adding more of a solute to an already saturated solution results in the solid remaining as solid in the solution which is referred to as a precipitate.