Supersaturated Solution
What is Supersaturated Solution?
A supersaturated solution is an unstable solution that contains more dissolved solute than is present in a saturated solution at the same temperature, prepared by carefully cooling a saturated hot solution without disturbing it. It is a metastable state that rapidly reverts to saturation by crystallizing the excess solute upon the introduction of a seed crystal, vibration, or scratch on the container. Supersaturated solutions are used in the production of rock candy, the operation of hand warmers (sodium acetate), and in the study of nucleation and crystallization.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A supersaturated solution is an unstable solution that contains more dissolved solute than is present in a saturated solution at the same temperature, prepared by carefully cooling a saturated hot solution without disturbing it. It is a metastable state that rapidly reverts to saturation by crystallizing the excess solute upon the introduction of a seed crystal, vibration, or scratch on the container. Supersaturated solutions are used in the production of rock candy, the operation of hand warmers (sodium acetate), and in the study of nucleation and crystallization.