Definition of
supersaturation
It is called supersaturation to the act and result of becoming supersaturated or supersaturated. This verbmeanwhile, alludes to to saturate (fill) something excessively.
- too much solute
- Related concepts
- examples
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too much solute
The idea of supersaturation usually refers to the introduction of a high amount of substance in a solution in such a way that exceed the level needed to achieve saturation.
It is a phenomenon that occurs when, in a solution, the solvent receives one amount of solute higher than it is able to admit. In this way, the excess solute appears as a precipitate.
This means, with supersaturation, the solute that does not dissolve remains in a solid state. This particularity appears when the conditions of a saturated solution are exceeded.
Not only the incorporation of solute in excess can cause supersaturation. if the pressure increases or the volume of the solvent decreases, to mention two possibilities, it is possible that supersaturation of the solution occurs.
It can help you: Introduction
Related concepts
It is convenient to review some concepts before moving forward with the definition of supersaturation. Is called dissolution to the mixture that is generated when, in a liquid (the solvent), a solid substance (the solute). This mixture is homogeneous and occurs at the level of the molecule or the ion, between two or more pure substances that cannot cause chemical reactions with each other.
Taking this concept to everyday terms, we can observe it when we dissolve sugar or salt in a glass of water. The concentration in which the solute (which in these cases would be sugar or salt) is of great importance in the description of a solution. When the solution is generated with two liquid substances (such as water and alcohol) it is not easy to distinguish the solvent from the solute, although it is usually resolved that the latter is the one in the smaller proportion.
See also: Homogeneous
examples
the elaboration of rock sugar either stone sugar is an example of supersaturation. This product is obtained by making a supersaturated mixture of water and sugar HE crystallize on a certain surface. Thus, when the supersaturated solution cools, the crystals known as rock or stone sugar are obtained.
We can also mention sparkling wine, sparkling water and other drinks called carbonatedwhich are supersaturated solutions of carbon dioxide in water. It is possible to dissolve more carbon dioxide inside the bottle than outside, because the pressure there exceeds the values from the atmospheric In the latter case, the rate at which the gaseous carbon dioxide leaves the liquid is very low. The acceleration of the process occurs thanks to the nucleation points found in the solution and can also be enhanced by stirring or adding solute.
The production of certain beverages, such as malts and beers, relies on this phenomenon to create the typical foam that forms on top. This is known as gist, crown or head. From this arose the invention of a device which allows the improvement of the bubbles with two supersaturated phases of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
Outside of the realm of drinks, in diving we can also appreciate supersaturation. In theory, this could take place when the diver heads towards the surface, if the dissolved gas presents a strain higher than inspiration. When they submerge, their tissues experience a saturation of respiratory gases. If the ascent is too fast, the so-called decompression syndromewith the formation of gas bubbles.
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