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Solutions & Colligative Properties

Unsaturated Solution

A solution containing less dissolved solute than it could hold at the given temperature.

Unit mol/L

In depth

An unsaturated solution will dissolve any further solute added, and no solid phase is present at equilibrium. Diluting a saturated solution or raising its temperature converts it to unsaturated, which is why hot solutions can carry more solid than cold ones.

Examples in the real world

A cup of tea in which one spoon of sugar dissolves completely and a second would also dissolve.