CHEM 1212 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Supersaturation, Carbonated Water, Dynamic Equilibrium
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Dissolving is when the rate of dissolution is greater than the rate of recrystallization. When a solution becomes more concentrated from the solute some recrystallize back to the original solid state. Dynamic equilibrium is when the rate of dissolution equals the rate of recrystallization. A solution in which the dissolved solute is in dynamic equilibrium with the solid (undissolved) solute is a saturated solution. A solution containing less than the equilibrium amount of solute is an unsaturated solution. If you add additional solute to an unsaturated solution it will dissolve. A supersaturated solution can occur under specific conditions. A supersaturated solution is one that contains more than the equilibrium amount of solute. These are unstable and the excess solute will normally precipitate out of the solution. However if the supersaturated solution is undisturbed it can exist for an extended period of time. The temperature dependence of the solubility of solids.