A saturated solution is a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in the solvent at a given temperature and pressure.
Key points:
- No more solute can dissolve under the same conditions.
- If you try to add extra solute, it will remain undissolved and settle at the bottom.
- It represents the equilibrium point between the solute dissolving and crystallizing out.
- The solubility of the solute depends on temperature and pressure (for gases).
Example:
If you keep adding sugar to a glass of water while stirring, eventually a point comes where no more sugar dissolves, and the excess stays at the bottom. At this stage, the solution is saturated.
Quick comparison:
- Unsaturated solution → can still dissolve more solute.
- Saturated solution → holds the maximum solute possible.
- Supersaturated solution → holds more solute than normally possible (unstable).