Question
What does it mean for a solution to be saturated, using an example from a solubility curve graph?
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GPT-4o mini
In chemistry, a solution is said to be **saturated** when it contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given quantity of solvent at a specific temperature. At this point, the solution is in equilibrium, meaning that any additional solute will not dissolve and will remain undissolved at the bottom of the container.
To illustrate this concept using a **solubility curve graph**, let's consider an example involving table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl). Solubility curves typically plot the solubility of a substance (in grams of solute per 100 grams of water) against temperature (in degrees Celsius).
1. **Interpreting a Solubility Curve**: The curve shows how the solubility of NaCl changes with temperature. For instance, at 25°C, the solubility curve might indicate that 36 grams of NaCl can dissolve in 100 grams of water.
2. **Saturated Solution Example**: If you have a solution at 25°C with exactly 36 grams of NaCl dissolved in 100 grams of water, this solution is saturated because it is at the maximum concentration of solute at that temperature. If you add more than 36 grams of NaCl (say 40 grams), the excess solute will not dissolve and will settle at the bottom, confirming that the solution has reached saturation.
3. **Graphical Representation**: On the solubility curve graph, this scenario can be represented as a point on the curve itself. The exact point where 36 grams is dissolved at 25°C lies on the curve, indicating that it is saturated. If the point were above the curve (like at 40 grams), it would indicate a supersaturated solution, as that much solute could not dissolve at that temperature.
Thus, saturation signifies an equilibrium state for a specific amount of solute in solution at a particular temperature, clearly defined in graphical terms by the solubility curve.
To illustrate this concept using a **solubility curve graph**, let's consider an example involving table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl). Solubility curves typically plot the solubility of a substance (in grams of solute per 100 grams of water) against temperature (in degrees Celsius).
1. **Interpreting a Solubility Curve**: The curve shows how the solubility of NaCl changes with temperature. For instance, at 25°C, the solubility curve might indicate that 36 grams of NaCl can dissolve in 100 grams of water.
2. **Saturated Solution Example**: If you have a solution at 25°C with exactly 36 grams of NaCl dissolved in 100 grams of water, this solution is saturated because it is at the maximum concentration of solute at that temperature. If you add more than 36 grams of NaCl (say 40 grams), the excess solute will not dissolve and will settle at the bottom, confirming that the solution has reached saturation.
3. **Graphical Representation**: On the solubility curve graph, this scenario can be represented as a point on the curve itself. The exact point where 36 grams is dissolved at 25°C lies on the curve, indicating that it is saturated. If the point were above the curve (like at 40 grams), it would indicate a supersaturated solution, as that much solute could not dissolve at that temperature.
Thus, saturation signifies an equilibrium state for a specific amount of solute in solution at a particular temperature, clearly defined in graphical terms by the solubility curve.
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