What is a saturated solution?

A saturated solution is defined as a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at a given temperature. When a solution reaches this point, any additional solute added will not dissolve and will instead remain undissolved at the bottom of the container or may precipitate out. This is a fundamental concept in chemistry, especially in understanding solubility and concentration.

The conditions of saturation are highly dependent on the temperature of the solution; typically, as temperature increases, the amount of solute that can dissolve also increases, allowing for a greater concentration before reaching saturation. Recognizing that a saturated solution represents a dynamic equilibrium between dissolved solute and undissolved solute helps to understand various processes in chemistry, including crystallization and precipitation reactions.

The other options do not accurately define a saturated solution. For example, a solution where all the solute has precipitated out implies no dissolved solute, while a solution where the solute is completely gasified does not involve dissolution in the traditional sense. A solution that contains more solute than the solvent can dissolve suggests an unsaturated solution that has exceeded its solubility limit and has started to form a supersaturated solution, where excess solute is present.