Question

In 3-4 sentences, explain how you would determine if the solution is unsaturated, saturated or supersaturated?

Answer 1

Unsaturated solution : It is defined as the solution in which the more amount of solute particles can be dissolved in the solvent. For example : The salt in water or sugar in water is an unsaturated solution if they can dissolve the more amount of solute in them.

Saturated solution : It is defined as the solution in which there is no more amount of solute particles can be dissolved in the solvent. For example : When we are adding sugar in the water until it no longer dissolves is a saturated solution.

Supersaturated solution : It is defined as the solution in which the more amount of solute particles is present than the solvent particles. For example : The sugar syrup is an example of supersaturated solution.

Answer 2

You can determined if the solution is unsaturated, saturated or supersaturated by adding more of the solute. If you add more solute to the solution and the solute is dissolved, then the solution is still unsaturated. If adding more solute would not dissolve the solute, then the solution is already saturated. However, when adding more solute, precipitation of the solute happens, then the solution is supersaturated.