Question

What is a supersaturated solution?

Answer 1

Hint : We know that a solution is a homogenous mixture of two or more pure substances on molecular level whose composition can vary within certain limits. A solution having two components or substances known as solute and the solvent. Let’s see what is meant by a supersaturated solution.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
We have different types of saturation. Namely saturated solution, unsaturated solution and supersaturated solution.
A solution with solute that dissolves until it is unable to dissolve anymore, leaving the undissolved substance at the bottom is called a saturated solution
A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than required for preparing a saturated solution and can be prepared by heating a saturated solution, adding more solute and then cooling it gently. In other words A supersaturated solution is a solution that contains more undissolved solute than the saturated solution because of its tendency to crystallize and precipitate.
An Example of supersaturated solution is 40g $NaCl$ in 100ml ${H_2}O$ . The additional 4.0g $NaCl$ remains undissolved.

Note :
We also know that an unsaturated solution is a solution that completely dissolves, leaving no remaining substances. We also know that the supersaturated solutions are unstable because solute which is present in a supersaturated solution of a concentration greater than the equilibrium concentration.