Question

The solubility of sodium acetate is listed in reference books as 123 g/10.0 ml H2O @ 20° C. What do these numbers mean in terms of a saturated solution? Be VERY specific in your explanation.

Answer 1

A `"saturated solution"` is a solution that contains an amount of solute EQUAL....

Explanation:

A `"saturated solution"` is a solution that contains an amount of solute EQUAL to that amount which would be in equilibrium with undissolved solute. A temperature is specified because a hot solution can normally hold more solute than a cold one.

See [here and links....](https://socratic.org/questions/what-is-meant-by-the-term-saturated#318172)

For the given sample....we gots...

`Na^(+)""^(-)OAc(s) stackrel(H_2O)rarrNa^(+) + ""^(-)OAc`

..for which we could write a solubility expression...

`K_"sp"=[Na^+][""^(-)OAc]=??`

Now `S_"molar solubility"`, `[Na^+""^(-)OAc]=((123*g)/(82.03*g*mol^-1))/(100xx10^3*L)=S_"molar solubility of sodium acetate"`..the which is large, and this amount of solute specifies `"a saturated solution...."`