Potassium nitrate has a solubility of 32 g of KNO₃ in 100. g of H₂O at 20 °C. Determine if each of the following forms an unsaturated or saturated solution at 20 °C: (9.3) a. adding 32 g of KNO₃ to 200. g of H₂O

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the solubility of potassium nitrate (KNO₃) at 20 °C, which is 32 g per 100 g of water.
2. Determine the amount of water in the given scenario, which is 200 g.
3. Calculate the solubility of KNO₃ in 200 g of water by using the ratio: (32 g KNO₃ / 100 g H₂O) = (x g KNO₃ / 200 g H₂O).
4. Solve for x to find the maximum amount of KNO₃ that can dissolve in 200 g of water at 20 °C.
5. Compare the calculated maximum solubility with the given amount of KNO₃ (32 g) to determine if the solution is unsaturated or saturated.

Key Concepts

Solubility

Solubility is the maximum amount of a solute that can dissolve in a specific amount of solvent at a given temperature. In this case, potassium nitrate (KNO₃) has a solubility of 32 g in 100 g of water at 20 °C, meaning that this is the limit for dissolving KNO₃ in that amount of water without forming a saturated solution.

Saturated Solution

A saturated solution occurs when the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a solvent at a specific temperature, resulting in any additional solute remaining undissolved. For potassium nitrate in this scenario, if 32 g is added to 100 g of water, the solution is saturated, while adding more solute would exceed this limit.

Unsaturated Solution

An unsaturated solution is one in which less solute is dissolved than the maximum capacity at a given temperature. In the context of the question, if 32 g of KNO₃ is added to 200 g of water, the solution remains unsaturated because the solubility limit is based on the amount of water, allowing for more KNO₃ to dissolve.