A saturated solution of a sparingly soluble salt is one in which
- A. no more solid can be added to the container
- B. the dissolved ions are in equilibrium with the undissolved solid
- C. the salt has completely dissolved
- D. the solubility product has been exceeded
Explanation
In a saturated solution ions leave the solid surface and return to it at the same rate, so the concentration of dissolved ions stays constant and equals the value fixed by Ksp. If the ionic product were pushed beyond Ksp the excess would precipitate until equilibrium was restored. Undissolved solid must be present for the equilibrium to exist at all.