Define an unsaturated solution. An unsaturated solution is a solution in which the solvent is capable of dissolving more solute at a given temperature and pressure. This means that the solution does not contain the maximum amount of solute that it can hold.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
An unsaturated solution is a solution in which the solvent is capable of dissolving more solute at a given temperature and pressure. This means the solution does not contain the maximum amount of solute it can hold.
300-Word Explanation:
An unsaturated solution is one of the three main types of solutions classified based on the amount of solute dissolved in the solvent. In this case, the solvent has not yet reached its capacity to dissolve solute, so additional solute can still dissolve without any remaining undissolved material. This condition exists under specific temperature and pressure, which influence the solubility of the solute.
For example, if a teaspoon of sugar is stirred into a cup of water and it completely dissolves, the solution is unsaturated. If more sugar is added and it also dissolves completely, the solution remains unsaturated. The point at which sugar can no longer dissolve and begins to collect at the bottom marks the transition to a saturated solution.
Unsaturated solutions are important in everyday life and industrial processes. In cooking, unsaturated solutions are used to flavor liquids without leaving residue. In chemistry and pharmaceuticals, maintaining an unsaturated state is essential for controlled reactions and dissolving active ingredients effectively.
Temperature plays a critical role in solubility. For most solids dissolved in liquids, increasing the temperature allows more solute to dissolve, increasing the solubility limit. Therefore, a solution that is saturated at one temperature may become unsaturated if the temperature is raised. Conversely, if the temperature drops, the solution may become saturated or even supersaturated, causing excess solute to precipitate out.
Understanding unsaturated solutions helps in manipulating chemical reactions, preserving substances, and designing formulations in various industries. It is also fundamental in studying solution chemistry and solubility principles.