Final answer:
Solutions can be categorized based on their saturation levels: saturated solutions contain the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature, unsaturated solutions have less than the maximum, and supersaturated solutions contain more than the maximum due to temperature manipulation. Dilute and concentrated refer to the relative amount of solute, not its saturation state.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Levels of Saturation in a Solution
When discussing solutions and their levels of saturation, several key concepts need to be understood. A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances. In the context of a solute being dissolved in a solvent, we refer to the solution's saturation.
Saturated Solutions
A solution is considered saturated when it contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure. Beyond this point, any additional solute will not dissolve. Saturated solutions can have varying levels of concentration; a saturated solution of AgCl in water is quite dilute, while a saturated NaCl solution in water is relatively concentrated.
Unsaturated Solutions
If a solution contains less solute than it has the capacity to dissolve, it is known as an unsaturated solution. These solutions can further dissolve more solute if added.
Supersaturated Solutions
A supersaturated solution contains more solute than what is normally possible at a given temperature. These are prepared by changing temperature conditions and are metastable, meaning they can revert to a saturated state under certain conditions, resulting in precipitation of the solute.
To determine whether a solution is unsaturated, saturated, or supersaturated, one can add more solute to the solution. If it dissolves, the solution was unsaturated; if not, it was saturated. Supersaturated solutions can often be identified by the presence of excess solute precipitating out when disturbed.
Dilute and Concentrated Solutions
A solution can also be classified as dilute or concentrated. This classification is not about the saturation level but instead refers to the relative amount of solute in the solution. A dilute solution has a relatively low concentration of solute, while a concentrated solution has a relatively high concentration.