Chapter 14.3, Problem 43SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The resulting solution needs to be characterized.

Concept introduction:

Solubility can be defined as maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in known amount of solvent at a given temperature and pressure.

Solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent where a solute is fully dissolved in the solvent.

Depending upon amount of solute in a solution there are three types of solutions:

Unsaturated solution contains less amount of dissolved solute for a given temperature and pressure than a saturated solution.

Saturated solution is the solution when the maximum amount of solute is dissolved in the solution.

Supersaturated solution contains more solute than a saturated solution at the same temperature. Increasing of temperature of the solution makes the excess solute to get dissolved and then cooled slowly.

Answer to Problem 43SSC

Upon addition of a tiny amount of solute to a supersaturated solution, the excess solute precipitates quickly or excess solute gets crystallized. So, the resulting solution becomes saturated.

Explanation of Solution

Supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than a saturated solution at the same temperature. Solubility changes with temperature and that some substances become more soluble with increasing temperature is the key to forming supersaturated solutions.

So, supersaturated solutions are unstable. Upon addition of a tiny amount of solute to a supersaturated solution, the excess solute precipitates quickly or excess solute gets crystallized. So, the resulting solution becomes saturated.