| | Saturated Solutions | Unsaturated Solutions |
| Definition | A saturated solution is a solution in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved at a given temperature and pressure. | An unsaturated solution is a solution in which less than the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved at a given temperature and pressure. |
| Solubility | Solute dissolves until no more can dissolve, resulting in a dynamic equilibrium between dissolving and precipitating. | Solute has room to dissolve further if more is added. |
| Concentration | Contains the maximum concentration of solute possible at that temperature and pressure. | Contains a lower concentration of solute than its maximum solubility allows. |
| Saturation Point | The point at which no more solute can be dissolved and excess solute may settle at the bottom. | Not yet reached the point where excess solute settles, as more solute can still dissolve. |
| Precipitation | If more solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and may precipitate out. | Can dissolve more solute without precipitating out. |
| Temperature Effect | Higher temperatures can increase solubility, allowing more solute to dissolve. | Higher temperatures generally increase solubility, but it remains unsaturated until the maximum solubility is reached. |
| Practical Use | Used to create crystals or purify substances through processes like recrystallization. | Often used in making solutions in laboratories or everyday situations. |
| Example | If you keep adding sugar to water and it stops dissolving, you have a saturated sugar solution. | If you add salt to water and it keeps dissolving, you have an unsaturated salt solution. |
