Dilute solutions have a small amount of solute. While these two terms give you a general idea about concentration, they do not provide an exact comparison of the amounts of solute and solvent. As you learn more about solutions, you will learn to compare these amounts exactly. Chemistry class describes solution concentration using a term called moles . Solution saturation - compares the amount of dissolved solute in a solution with the maximum amount of dissolved solute possible under the given conditions.
Unsaturated solutions contain less than the maximum amount possible.
As more solid is added to this solution, it will dissolve. Saturated solutions contain all the solute it is possible to dissolve under a given set of conditions. As more solid is added to this solution, it will not dissolve. Supersaturated solutions are unstable solutions that have been forced to dissolve more solute than should be possible under a given set of conditions. If a crystal of solid is placed into this solution, the crystal will grow.