Saturated solution

Definition

A saturated solution is a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure. In this state, any additional solute will not dissolve and may remain undissolved at the bottom of the container. Understanding saturated solutions is crucial for grasping concepts like solubility product constants and molar solubility, as these parameters describe the equilibrium between solute and solvent in such solutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a saturated solution, the rate of dissolution of solute equals the rate of precipitation, establishing a dynamic equilibrium.
2. The concentration of the solute in a saturated solution can vary significantly with temperature; generally, higher temperatures increase solubility for most solids.
3. If you add more solute to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and will settle at the bottom as undissolved solids.
4. The Ksp value is unique for each sparingly soluble compound and indicates its tendency to dissolve; larger Ksp values suggest higher molar solubility.
5. Saturated solutions can exist for gases dissolved in liquids, and temperature changes can also affect their saturation levels.

Review Questions

• How does temperature influence the saturation level of a solution?
  • Temperature plays a significant role in determining the saturation level of a solution. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of molecules also increases, which often leads to higher solubility for solid solutes. This means that more solid can dissolve before reaching saturation. Conversely, for gas solutes, increased temperature typically decreases their solubility, leading to lower saturation levels.
• What is the relationship between saturated solutions and Ksp, and how does it help predict solubility?
  • The relationship between saturated solutions and Ksp is direct and essential for predicting how much of a compound can dissolve in a solvent. Ksp represents the equilibrium concentrations of ions in a saturated solution. By knowing Ksp values, one can calculate the maximum concentration of ions in a saturated solution, which allows us to determine whether a precipitate will form when conditions change.
• Evaluate how changes in pressure affect the saturation levels of gas dissolved in liquids compared to solids.
  • Changes in pressure primarily influence the saturation levels of gases dissolved in liquids rather than solids. Increasing pressure generally increases gas solubility due to the gas being compressed into the liquid phase more effectively. This is described by Henry's law. On the other hand, solids are less affected by pressure changes when it comes to their saturation levels; temperature remains the dominant factor for their solubility.

Related terms

solubility product constant (Ksp): The solubility product constant (Ksp) is an equilibrium constant that applies to the solubility of sparingly soluble ionic compounds. It quantifies the relationship between the concentrations of ions in a saturated solution.

molar solubility: Molar solubility refers to the number of moles of solute that can be dissolved in one liter of solution, indicating how much solute can dissolve before reaching saturation.

unsaturated solution: An unsaturated solution is a solution that contains less solute than it has the capacity to dissolve at a given temperature and pressure, meaning more solute can still be added.