Video
by eHowEducation
If a solution is already saturated with solute, can it hold any more? You bet it can! The answer lies in making a supersaturated solution. The way we do this is by heating up the solution (which increases solubility), adding more solute, and then cooling the solution down. But be careful; this new solution can easily come undone.
Watch the video above to find out more.
Illustrated · 1 min
A solution is saturated when the crystallization and solvation are at equilibrium. Some solutions can be heated to create supersaturated solutions. Supersaturations are created by adding heat to a saturated solution and more solute. The solute is able to solvate with the added heat. A properly made supersaturated solution will remain solvated as the solution cools to room temperature.
Image source: By Cassie Gates
An example of a supersaturated solution is sodium acetate in water. Sodium acetate is the salt of acetic acid or vinegar. Water is a common solvent of supersaturated solutions since it can be heated safely. Supersaturated sodium acetate solution has another unique property. If the cooled solution is agitated or a seed crystal is added, the equilibrium is disrupted. The solution will rapidly crystallize. The seed crystal acts as the main point for the solution to crystallize. This reaction is exothermic and generates heat. This property has been used to create reusable heating packs. The packs when agitated solidify and generate heat. To regenerate the pack, it can be boiled to re-solvate the solution.
Illustrated · 1 min
Image Source: By Trisha
