What is a saturated solution?

A saturated solution is defined as a solution in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a solvent at a specific temperature and pressure, meaning that no more solute can dissolve without altering the conditions. This concept is crucial in understanding solubility limits and equilibrium in solutions.

When you reach the point of saturation, the solute particles are in balance with the solvent molecules, indicating that the solution has achieved its capacity for solute at that temperature. Any further addition of solute would result in undissolved particles, confirming that the solution cannot accommodate more dissolved solute under those conditions.

Understanding a saturated solution is key in various applications, such as in crystallization processes or when considering the solubility of different substances, as it sets the groundwork for predicting how substances will behave in various chemical scenarios.