Stability of Saturated and Unsaturated Solutions
Saturated Solution:
- A saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in a solvent at a given temperature.
- The stability of a saturated solution is higher compared to an unsaturated solution because the solute particles are in dynamic equilibrium with the solvent particles.
- The equilibrium state prevents further dissolution of the solute, making the solution stable.
- Any excess solute added to a saturated solution will not dissolve and will remain as a precipitate at the bottom of the container.
- The equilibrium in a saturated solution is established when the rate of dissolution equals the rate of precipitation.
Unsaturated Solution:
- An unsaturated solution contains less solute than the maximum possible amount that could be dissolved at a given temperature.
- The stability of an unsaturated solution is lower compared to a saturated solution because there is room for more solute to dissolve.
- The solute particles are not in equilibrium with the solvent particles, allowing for more solute to dissolve.
- If more solute is added to an unsaturated solution, it will continue to dissolve until it reaches saturation.
- The equilibrium in an unsaturated solution is not established, leading to a less stable state compared to a saturated solution.
In conclusion, a saturated solution is more stable than an unsaturated solution due to the equilibrium between solute and solvent particles, which prevents further dissolution of the solute.

Unsaturated