Problem 61 - Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Question

Is a saturated solution always a concentrated solution? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer: No, a saturated solution is not always a concentrated solution. While a saturated solution has the maximum amount of solute dissolved in the solvent under specific conditions, a concentrated solution refers to a high proportion of solute in the solvent. If the solubility of the substance is low, a saturated solution may not be considered highly concentrated.

Step 1: Define Saturated Solution

A saturated solution is a solution in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a solvent at a specific temperature and pressure. No more solute can be dissolved in this solution under the given conditions.

Step 2: Define Concentrated Solution

A concentrated solution is a solution with a relatively high concentration of solute in the solvent. This means that there is a large amount of solute particles present in the solvent compared to the total amount of solvent.

Step 3: Comparing Saturated and Concentrated Solutions

In general, a saturated solution can be considered a concentrated solution since it has the maximum amount of solute possible dissolved in the solvent at a given temperature and pressure. However, it is important to note that not all saturated solutions are necessarily concentrated.

Step 4: Example: Saturated but not Concentrated Solution

An example of a saturated but not concentrated solution is a saturated solution of a substance that has low solubility in water. For instance, suppose the substance has a solubility of only 1 gram per 100 grams of water at room temperature. Although the solution is saturated because no more solute can be dissolved, it is not considered highly concentrated since the overall ratio of solute to solvent is quite low.

Step 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, a saturated solution is not always a concentrated solution. While a saturated solution has the maximum amount of solute dissolved in the solvent under specific conditions, a concentrated solution refers to a high proportion of solute in the solvent. If the solubility of the substance is low, a saturated solution may not be considered highly concentrated.