saturate

Definition

Saturate is a term used in chemistry to describe a solution that has dissolved as much solute as it can at a given temperature. A solution is said to be saturated when it reaches its solubility limit.

The solubility limit is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a given temperature. The solubility limit of a solute depends on the solvent and the temperature. For example, the solubility of salt in water is much greater at 80 degrees Celsius than it is at 20 degrees Celsius.

When a solution is saturated, it is said to be in equilibrium. This means that the rate of solute dissolving is equal to the rate of solute crystallizing. In other words, the amount of solute dissolved in the solution is not changing.

If you add more solute to a saturated solution, the solute will not dissolve. Instead, it will form a solid at the bottom of the container. This is because the solution is already at its solubility limit.

How can the word be used?

The soil was saturated with rain.

Different forms of the word

Verb:

to fill or soak (something) with a liquid until it can hold no more.
to fill (something) to the point where it is unable to absorb any more of a substance.
to make (something) dull or lifeless by overdoing it.

Adjective:

filled to the point where it can hold no more of a substance.
dull or lifeless as a result of being overdone.

Etymology

The word "saturate" comes from the Latin word "saturare", which means "to fill full".

The first recorded use of the word "saturate" in English was in the 14th century.

The word "saturate" is a Latin word, and it is related to the Italian word "saturare" and the Spanish word "saturar".

Question

What does saturate mean?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of saturation in the context of solubility and its importance in everyday situations.

Answer:

Saturation is a fundamental concept in solubility that refers to the point at which a solvent has dissolved the maximum amount of solute it can hold at a specific temperature and pressure. When a solution is saturated, any additional solute added will not dissolve and will remain as undissolved particles at the bottom of the container.

The importance of saturation is evident in everyday situations. For example, when making a cup of tea, the solubility of sugar in hot water is limited. If you add too much sugar and it no longer dissolves, the solution becomes saturated, and the excess sugar settles at the bottom of the cup. Similarly, when preparing a salt solution, such as in food seasoning or saline solutions for medical use, understanding saturation ensures that the correct concentration is achieved.

In industrial processes, saturation plays a crucial role in chemical reactions, crystallization, and purification procedures. Pharmaceutical companies, for instance, carefully control solubility to ensure the proper dosages and effectiveness of medications. Saturation is also vital in environmental contexts, affecting processes like nutrient absorption in soil and the formation of cloud droplets in the atmosphere.