Saturated vs. Unsaturated Solution
Saturated Solution
- A saturated solution is a solution in which the solvent has dissolved the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature and pressure.
- No more solute can be dissolved in a saturated solution.
- If more solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and will remain as a solid at the bottom of the container.
- Saturated solutions are in a state of equilibrium between the dissolved and undissolved solute.
Unsaturated Solution
- An unsaturated solution is a solution in which the solvent has not dissolved the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature and pressure.
- More solute can be added to an unsaturated solution, and it will continue to dissolve until it reaches saturation.
- Unsaturated solutions are not at equilibrium and have the capacity to dissolve more solute.
- If more solute is added to an unsaturated solution, it will continue to dissolve until it becomes saturated.
Difference
- The main difference between a saturated and unsaturated solution lies in the amount of solute dissolved in the solvent.
- A saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved, while an unsaturated solution can dissolve more solute.
- Saturated solutions are at equilibrium, while unsaturated solutions are not.
- When more solute is added to a saturated solution, it does not dissolve, whereas in an unsaturated solution, the solute continues to dissolve.