SUPERSATURATED Meaning and
Definition
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The term "supersaturated" refers to a solution that contains a concentration of solute that exceeds its maximum solubility at a given temperature and pressure. In other words, it is a solution that holds more solute than it should theoretically be capable of dissolving. This occurs when excess solute is dissolved in a solvent at elevated temperatures and then cooled rapidly, preventing the solute from crystallizing out of the solution.
Supersaturation is achieved by dissolving the solute in a solvent at a temperature higher than its saturation point and allowing it to become homogeneously dispersed in the solution. When the solution is subsequently cooled, the solute molecules lack sufficient energy to separate and form crystals, resulting in a supersaturated solution.
Supersaturated solutions are often highly unstable, as they exceed the solute's natural solubility limit. Therefore, even the slightest disturbance like the addition of a seed crystal or agitation can cause rapid crystallization, returning the solution to a saturated state. This sudden precipitation of excess solute often leads to the formation of crystals that are larger and purer than those obtained from a saturated solution.
Supersaturation finds applications in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemistry. It is utilized to produce highly concentrated solutions, obtain pure crystals, or enhance the solubility of substances that are normally insoluble at lower temperatures.
Common Misspellings for SUPERSATURATED
- aupersaturated
- zupersaturated
- xupersaturated
- dupersaturated
- eupersaturated
- wupersaturated
- sypersaturated
- shpersaturated
- sjpersaturated
- sipersaturated
- s8persaturated
- s7persaturated
- suoersaturated
- sulersaturated
- su-ersaturated
- su0ersaturated
- supwrsaturated
- supsrsaturated
- supersaturateed
- supersatuated
- supersaturrated
- supersatured
Etymology of SUPERSATURATED
The word "supersaturated" has its roots in the Latin language. It is derived from the Latin prefix "super-" meaning "above" or "over", and the Latin verb "saturare" meaning "to fill" or "to saturate". When combined, "super-" and "saturare" form "supersaturare", which means "to fill to excess" or "to oversaturate". Over time, the term "supersaturate" evolved into "supersaturated", taking on the specific meaning of a solution containing more solute than it would normally dissolve at a given temperature and pressure.
Similar spelling words for SUPERSATURATED
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