If a solution is saturated, is there left over solute?

If a solution is saturated, is there left over solute?

• A. Yes, saturated means some solute remains undissolved.
• B. No, all solute dissolves.
• C. Only at high temperature.
• D. Saturated means no solute present.

Answer: (A)

Saturation means the solvent has dissolved as much solute as it can at that temperature. The system is in equilibrium between the dissolved solute and a solid phase of the solute. Because the solvent has reached its maximum capacity to hold solute, any additional solute tends to remain as solid rather than dissolving. So yes, there is often leftover, undissolved solute present when a solution is saturated. Keep in mind that the amount dissolved is temperature dependent, so increasing the temperature can raise solubility and allow more to dissolve, while cooling can cause the excess to precipitate. It’s not true that “no solute remains” in a saturated solution, nor is it true that saturation only occurs at high temperature or that all solute dissolves.

Saturation means the solvent has dissolved as much solute as it can at that temperature. The system is in equilibrium between the dissolved solute and a solid phase of the solute. Because the solvent has reached its maximum capacity to hold solute, any additional solute tends to remain as solid rather than dissolving. So yes, there is often leftover, undissolved solute present when a solution is saturated.

Keep in mind that the amount dissolved is temperature dependent, so increasing the temperature can raise solubility and allow more to dissolve, while cooling can cause the excess to precipitate. It’s not true that “no solute remains” in a saturated solution, nor is it true that saturation only occurs at high temperature or that all solute dissolves.