Question

You are provided with solution of a substance X. How will you test whether it is a saturated or unsaturated? What happens when a hot saturated solution is allowed to cool?

Answer 1

• At any particular temperature, a solution that has dissolved as much solute as it is capable of dissolving is said to be a saturated solution.
• In order to test whether the solution of the substance X is saturated or unsaturated, add more amount of X in the solution then

• If it remain undissolved that means it is a saturated solution.
• If it dissolves then it is an unsaturated solution.

• If a saturated solution is cooled below a temperature at which the solution is prepared, then it will lead to a decrease in solubility of the solute.
• This decrease in solubility will result in some of the dissolved solute to precipitate out as solid crystals.
• Here if a hot saturated solution of X is cooled then more and more amount of X (which is solute here) will precipitate out and settle down at the bottom. That is the crystals of X will reappear.