Question

What is a saturated solution?
A) A solution in which the maximum amount of solute is dissolved under the current conditions
B) A solution in which the maximum amount of solute is dissolved under any conditions
C) A solution that is full of solid substances
D) A solution in which the minimum amount of solute is dissolved under the current conditions
E) A thick solution, like gravy

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that saturation is basically a condition where existence of equilibrium takes place between any pair of opposing forces or of an exact balance of the rates opposing processes. The saturation state is achieved when there is no more capacity to dissolve a solute in the solution.

 Complete step by step answer:
As we know that a saturated solution is where equilibrium has been established between the reactant and product and there is no more chance of adding and dissolving solute in the solution. If more solute is added to the solution, it will result in a solid precipitate.
A saturated solution can be prepared by continuous addition of solute into a solution until a stage is reached where no more solute can be added to the solution. For instance: carbonated water is a saturated solution.
An unsaturated solution is the one which is not in equilibrium and thus more solute can be added to the solution to reach equilibrium position or saturation. For instance: sodium chloride in water is an unsaturated solution.
Therefore, the correct answer is (A).

Note:Remember that saturation of a solution depends on the temperature, pressure and concentration. So, when temperature is increased, the solubility of ionic solution also increases and the amount of solute corresponds to the rate of crystallisation. When solubility and crystallisation rate are similar then the solution is called saturated solution.