What are some common mistakes students make with saturation?
1 Answer
Oct 22, 2015
How about a "saturated solution holds the maximum amount of solute? "
Explanation:
Saturation refers to an equilibrium condition: namely that a saturated solution contains an amount of solute equal to the amount that would be in equilibrium with undissolved solute .
Please consider this definition carefully, as it is routinely poorly remembered at undergraduate level. Definition of a saturated solution as a solution that holds the maximum amount of solute would be quite properly rejected in that under certain conditions a solution can hold a greater amount of solute than would be in equilibrium with undissolved solute - these are called supersaturated solutions. So saturation defines an equilibrium condition, which can be measured by standard means.
