A saturated solution is a solution in which the solvent has dissolved the maximum amount of solute possible at a given temperature and pressure. This means no more solute can dissolve in the solvent; any additional solute will remain undissolved. At this point, the solution is in dynamic equilibrium, where the rate of solute dissolving equals the rate of solute crystallizing or precipitating out
. In simpler terms, a saturated solution contains as much dissolved substance as it can hold. For example, if you keep adding sugar to water, initially it dissolves, but after a certain point, the sugar stops dissolving and settles at the bottom, indicating the solution is saturated
. Key characteristics of a saturated solution:
- Contains the maximum concentration of solute possible under given conditions.
- Exhibits dynamic equilibrium between dissolved and undissolved solute.
- Additional solute added will not dissolve unless conditions change (e.g., temperature)
Thus, a saturated solution is a homogeneous mixture where the solute concentration has reached its solubility limit.
