What is a saturated solution?
A saturated solution is a mixture of solute and solvent that has reached its maximum capacity. It creates a chemical equilibrium in which the concentrations of the dissolved substance and its particles remain constant. It is the maximum concentration of a solute that can be dissolved in a solvent at a particular temperature.
Saturated Solutions
solute: The substance that is dissolved in a solvent. solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute. chemical equilibrium: When the concentrations of the dissolved substance and its particles remain constant.
Concepts:
Do you think saturated solutions are fun to experiment with in the classroom?
Seawater contains a vast amount of saturated solutions, with salt being the most abundant solute. Saturated solutions are used to preserve food and make it last longer. Saturated solutions are also used in the production of beverages like beer and wine.
Fun facts:
Draw / write: What does it mean when we say that matter is conserved?
Draw / write: What are some examples of matter changing form in saturated solutions?
How did you come to understand that matter is conserved in saturated solutions?
What would happen if matter was not conserved in saturated solutions?