What happens in a supersaturated solution?

In a supersaturated solution, the amount of solute that has been dissolved exceeds the solubility limit at a given temperature and pressure. This is achieved through processes such as heating the solvent to dissolve more solute and then slowly cooling it down without allowing the excess solute to precipitate out. As a result, the solution contains more solute than a saturated solution, which is in equilibrium with undissolved solute.

The unique characteristic of a supersaturated solution is its ability to remain in this unstable state; it is supersaturated as it holds more solute than it should under normal circumstances. However, it is important to note that this state can easily be disrupted. For instance, introducing a seed crystal or disturbing the solution can trigger the excess solute to precipitate out. Understanding how supersaturated solutions work is crucial in fields such as crystallization and chemistry, particularly when examining their potential applications and behavior in reactions.