Final answer:
The term 'saturated' in the reading passage means that the solution contains the maximum possible amount of solute that can dissolve under specific conditions, indicating that it's filled to its capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the reading passage, when we refer to a solution as saturated, we mean that it contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve under a given set of conditions. This state occurs when the solution's concentration is equal to its solubility limit. For example, if a solution contains so much solute that no more can dissolve, we say that the solution is saturated, as it's filled to capacity with solute.
Saturated also applies to other contexts, such as when referring to soil or hydrocarbons. In the case of soil, a saturated soil means all the spaces between soil particles are filled with water. In chemistry, a saturated hydrocarbon is one that has no carbon-to-carbon double bonds, indicating it has the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain.