Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An unsaturated solution is one that contains less solute than the maximum amount that can be dissolved at a given temperature. Additional solute can still be added and dissolved in an unsaturated solution.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
In an unsaturated solution, the solvent has not reached its capacity to dissolve more solute.
The concentration of a solute in an unsaturated solution is lower than its solubility limit at a specific temperature.
Adding more solute to an unsaturated solution will result in the dissolution of the added solute until the solution becomes saturated.
Unsaturated solutions are typically clear because all the solute is dissolved.
The state of being unsaturated depends on temperature; increasing temperature often increases the amount of solute that can be dissolved.
The point at which no more solute can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure, resulting in a dynamic equilibrium between dissolving and precipitating.
A state where a solution contains more dissolved solute than it would under normal circumstances due to changes in conditions such as cooling or evaporation.