Saturated Solution - Definition, Examples, Types, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 22, 2022 08:24 AM IST

Saturation is a physical or chemical situation characterized by the existence of an equilibrium between opposing forces or an exact balance of opposing process speeds. Saturated solutions include the state of a solution left in contact with the pure undissolved solvent until no further change in solution concentration occurs, as well as the state of a vapour similarly left in contact with the substance's pure solid or liquid form. r in other words, a saturated solution contains the greatest quantity of solute that can be dissolved under the given conditions. When the solution has reached a point where no more solute can be added, it is said to be in this state.

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Factors Affecting Saturated Solution
Types of Saturation
How to Prepare a Saturated Solution?
Examples of Saturated Solution
Difference Between Saturated and Supersaturated Solution

After this point, adding more solute will result in the formation of a solid precipitate or the release of gas. A saturated solution is a mixture like this. In the second case, the rate at which the entirely condensed (liquid or solid) substance vaporizes equals the rate at which the vapour condenses.Under given pressure and temperature circumstances, a saturated solution or vapour has the highest concentration of a dissolved or vaporized component that can be achieved. While super saturation (a condition in which concentration achieves equilibrium) can be induced in some circumstances, these solutions or vapours are unstable and spontaneously return to the saturated state.

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Factors Affecting Saturated Solution

The amount of solute that may be dissolved in a solvent to generate a saturated solution is determined by a number of variables. Temperature is one of the most important factors to consider. The solubility reduces as the temperature rises. Salt, for example, dissolves significantly faster in hot water than in cold water.

Pressure: Increasing the pressure in a solution can cause more solute to be forced out. This is a common method for removing liquid gases.
The amount of solute at the crystal surface affects the rate of crystallization.
If the rate of crystallization and the rate of solubility are the same, the solution is said to be saturated.
Stirring the solution increases the net dissolving rate and prevents the build-up of solute.

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Types of Saturation

The main three types of saturation

Types of Saturation	Description	Example
Saturated Solution	A solution having dissolved substance along with solutions which are in equilibrium.	Carbonated water
Unsaturated Solution	A solution in which more substance can be dissolved than is in equilibrium with a given dissolved substance.	NaCl in water
Supersaturated Solution	A solution has a higher concentration of dissolved matter than a saturated solution.	Sugar dissolved in saturated solution by heating

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How to Prepare a Saturated Solution?

A saturated solution is made by gradually adding solute to the solution until the solute appears as a solid precipitate or crystals, resulting in a highly saturated solution.

1. Consider the process of mixing table sugar with water in a container.

2. As the solution is agitated, the additional sugar dissolves at first.

3. Finally, as more sugar is added, there comes a point where no amount of stirring will get the sugar to dissolve.

4. The last sugar added solidifies at the bottom of the container, indicating that the solution is saturated.

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Examples of Saturated Solution

Soda is a carbon dioxide source that dissolves in water. As a result, when the pressure is released, carbon dioxide gas generates bubbles.

Adding chocolate powder to milk creates a saturated solution that stops the chocolate powder from dissolving.
Salt can be added to hot butter or oil at the point when the salt grains refuse to dissolve and form a saturated solution.
If enough sugar is added to the coffee or tea, it can have a saturated solution. Saturation is attained when the sugar begins to dissolve. A lot more sugar is dissolved in a hot tea or coffee than in a cold drink.
Sugar can be added to vinegar to create a saturated solution.
As a result, these are common saturated solution instances.

Difference Between Saturated and Supersaturated Solution

	Saturated Solution	Supersaturated Solution
Definition	A saturated solution is a chemical solution containing maximum concentration of solute dissolved in solvent.	A supersaturated solution is one that has more dissolved solute than the solvent can normally dissolve.
Amount of Solute	At room temperature, a saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solutes that can be dissolved in the solvent.	At room temperature, a supersaturated solution contains more than the maximum number of solutes that can be dissolved in the solvent.
Preparation	A saturated solution is made by removing the solvent from a solution until the solute crystallizes or precipitates.	A supersaturated solution is made by introducing an excess of a solute at a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it down at a pace quicker than the solute precipitation.
Precipitation	A saturated solution has no precipitation at the container's bottom.	If the physical circumstances are changed, a supersaturated solution will show precipitation at the bottom of the container.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 1.What is meant by saturation point?

Saturation point is a physical or chemical situation characterized by the existence of an equilibrium between opposing forces or an exact balance of opposing process speeds

2. 2.Give two examples of saturated solutions.

a)Soda is a carbon dioxide source that dissolves in water. As a result, when the pressure is released, carbon dioxide gas generates bubbles.

b)Adding chocolate powder to milk creates a saturated solution that stops the chocolate powder from dissolving.

3. 3.Classify types of saturation

The main three types of saturation are-Saturated solution,Unsaturated solution and Supersaturated solution

4. 4.How to Prepare a Saturated Solution?

A saturated solution is made by gradually adding solute to the solution until the solute appears as a solid precipitate or crystals, resulting in a highly saturated solution.

Consider the process of mixing table sugar with water in a container.
As the solution is agitated, the additional sugar dissolves at first.
Finally, as more sugar is added, there comes a point where no amount of stirring will get the sugar to dissolve.
The last sugar added solidifies at the bottom of the container, indicating that the solution is saturated.

5. 5. Differentiate between saturated and supersaturated solution

A saturated solution is a chemical solution containing the maximum concentration of a solute dissolved in the solvent. A supersaturated solution is one that has more dissolved solute than the solvent can normally dissolve.