Question

A `"saturated solution"` is one in which.....?

`"A. the solvent contains an amount of solute EQUAL to that which would be in equilibrium with undissolved solute."`
`"B. the solvent has dissolved the maximum amount of solute."`
`"C. the solvent has dissolved an unspecified amount of solute."`
`"D. none of the given definitions are appropriate."`

Answer 1

`"A. the solvent.............."`

Explanation:

Water is an excellent solvent for most solutes.

In a solution, the bulk phase is the `"solvent"`, which is conceived to `"dissolve"` one or more `"solutes"`, which may initially be solid, liquid, or gas, and the resultant homogeneous mixture is a `"solution"`. If there is equilibrium between undissolved solute, and dissolved solute, as shown, the solution is said to be `"saturated:"`

`"Undissolved solute "rightleftharpoons " Dissolved solute"`

If such a solution is filtered off from the undissolved solute, the resulting `"filtrate"` is known as `"saturated solution"`. This last definition is a very important one and specifies an equilibrium condition. A `"supersaturated solution"` contains an amount of solute greater than the amount that would be in equilibrium with undissolved solute - this is a metastable condition that can be brought back to equilibrium, to saturation, by scratching the sides of the vessel, or by introducing a seed crystal, often with spectacular results.