A saturated solution is a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved under the given conditions. Once a solution reaches this state, no more solute can be added without resulting in the formation of a solid precipitate or the release of gas. This means that any additional solute added to a saturated solution will not dissolve and will instead sit as crystals at the bottom of the container/13%3A_Properties_of_Solutions/13.02%3A_Saturated_Solutions_and_Solubility).
To prepare a saturated solution, one can continuously add solute to the solution until the point is reached where the solute appears as a solid precipitate or as crystals, forming a highly saturated solution. For example, when adding table sugar to water, the added sugar dissolves initially, and the net dissolving rate can be increased by stirring the solution, which prevents the build-up of solute. The response of the equilibrium system can be predicted using Le Chatelier’s principle, which depends upon the change in pressure, concentration, or temperature/13%3A_Properties_of_Solutions/13.02%3A_Saturated_Solutions_and_Solubility).
In summary, a saturated solution is a crucial concept in chemistry, representing the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved under specific conditions, and understanding it is essential for various chemical processes and applications.
