Solubility refers to the maximum amount of a substance (solute) that can dissolve in a specific quantity of solvent at a given temperature and pressure. It is usually expressed in units such as grams of solute per 100 grams of solvent or in molarity. For example, the solubility of table salt in water at room temperature is about 36 grams per 100 grams of water.
On the other hand, a saturated solution is one that has reached the limit of solubility for a particular solute at a specific temperature and pressure. In a saturated solution, any additional solute added will not dissolve and will remain in solid form. So, if you keep adding salt to water after it has dissolved the maximum amount, you’ll eventually see some undissolved salt at the bottom—this indicates that the solution is saturated.
In summary, solubility is a measure of how much solute can dissolve, while a saturated solution is an actual mixture where no more solute can dissolve. Understanding this distinction is crucial in chemistry and various real-world applications, such as when preparing solutions in laboratories or in cooking.