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Chapter 12: Problem 1

Distinguish between an unsaturated solution, a saturated solution, and a supersaturated solution.

Short Answer

Expert verified
An unsaturated solution can dissolve more solute, a saturated solution has dissolved the maximum amount of solute, and a supersaturated solution contains more solute than can normally be dissolved at a given temperature, often achieved by manipulating temperature conditions.

Step by step solution

01

Define Unsaturated Solution

An unsaturated solution is one in which more solute can be dissolved at a given temperature. In the context of sugar in water, until the point where additional sugar no longer dissolves and simply settles at the bottom of the container, the solution remains unsaturated.
02

Define Saturated Solution

A saturated solution is one where the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved at a given temperature. Following the sugar in water example, once the additional sugar no longer dissolves and instead begins to accumulate at the bottom, the solution is considered to be saturated.
03

Define Supersaturated Solution

A supersaturated solution contains more solute than can be dissolved at the given temperature. This state is usually achieved by first dissolving the solute in heated solvent and then slowly cooling it. If undisturbed, the extra solute can stay dissolved, but any disturbance can lead to the rapid precipitation of the solute.

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