Unsaturated solutions are solutions in which the amount of dissolved solute is less than the saturation point of the solvent (at that specific temperature gradient). If the amount of dissolved solute is equal to the saturation point of the solvent, the solution is called a saturated solution. To form a mixture, two or more substances must be mixed. There are various kinds of mixtures found in our surroundings such as table salt mixed in water, vinegar solution, sugar dissolved in water, etc. Based on the distribution of components, the mixtures can also be classified as heterogeneous mixtures and homogeneous mixtures. A mixture where the components are found evenly distributed within the mixture is called a homogeneous mixture. Unsaturated SolutionsFor the formation of a solution, we need to add a solute to a solvent. Initially, the solute dissolves in a solvent and makes a uniform solution. Such a solution where solutes dissolve is called an unsaturated solution. Basically, a solution comprises two different kinds of particles, solutes and the solvent. In most cases, water is used as a solvent (which is one of the reasons why water is also called the universal solvent). Unsaturated solutions have the ability to dissolve more solute in them until they reach the saturation point. After reaching the saturation point, solutes will no more get dissolved in the solvent and these are the unsaturated solutions. Hence, all the solutions are said to be mostly unsaturated in nature and finally get converted to a saturated solution by adding solute in them. Unsaturated Solutions – ExamplesWe come across various examples of unsaturated solutions in daily life. Some examples of these are given below-
In an unsaturated solution, the concentration of solute is much lower than its solubility equilibrium. Each solute will have a limit with respect to the specific solvent. Therefore, solutes show a certain value for solubility in the solvent.
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