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What happens when something has become a saturated solution?

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Final answer:

A saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a particular temperature. If more solute is added, it will not dissolve and will remain as undissolved solute at the bottom of the container. Supersaturated solutions can contain more solute than the maximum amount that can normally dissolve and are not stable.

Step-by-step explanation:

A saturated solution is a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a particular temperature. Once a solution becomes saturated, any additional solute added will not dissolve and will instead remain as undissolved solute at the bottom of the container. On the other hand, if the solution can still dissolve more solute, it is considered unsaturated.

A supersaturated solution is a special type of solution that contains more solute than the maximum amount that can normally dissolve at a given temperature. Supersaturated solutions are not stable and can quickly recrystallize or release excess solute if disturbed or seeded with a crystal of the solute.

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