Question

You are provided with a solid ‘A’ and three solutions of A dissolved in water – one saturated, one unsaturated, and one super saturated. How would you determine each solution?

Answer 1

1. Saturated solution:
   When the maximum amount of solute is dissolved in a solvent, any more addition of solute will result in precipitation at a given temperature and pressure. Such a solution is called a saturated solution.
2. Unsaturated solution:
   When a minimum amount of solute is dissolved in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure is called an unsaturated solution.
3. Super saturated solution:
   It is a solution that holds more solute than it normally could in its saturated form.

• Example:

1. A saturated solution where the addition of more compound would not dissolve in the solution. 359 g of NaCI in 1 litre of water at 25°C.
2. An unsaturated solution has the capacity to dissolve more of the compound. 36 g of NaCI in 1 litre of water at 25°C.
3. A super saturated solution is the solution in which crystals can start growing. 500 g of NaCI in 1 litre of water at 25°C.