At a fixed temperature, what may happen if a little water is added to a saturated solution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: It may become unsaturated
Saturation depends on the amount of solute relative to a specified amount of solvent. Adding water increases the solvent amount without immediately adding solute, so the existing concentration may fall below the saturation limit for the new conditions. The solution can therefore become unsaturated and may dissolve additional solute. Water does not turn the solution into a gas or make solubility zero.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
It may become unsaturated
Why is this the correct answer?
Saturation depends on the amount of solute relative to a specified amount of solvent. Adding water increases the solvent amount without immediately adding solute, so the existing concentration may fall below the saturation limit for the new conditions. The solution can therefore become unsaturated and may dissolve additional solute. Water does not turn the solution into a gas or make solubility zero.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 11 Chemistry question. Chapter: Chapter 01: Solutions.
