Re: How can you tell if a solution is saturated?

Well, a solution is considered saturated when whatever solid you are trying to 
dissolve, isn't dissolving anymore.  So, if you see a layer of solid material 
on the bottom of the container, your solution is saturated.

Be aware that "saturation" is different than "super-saturation".  To 
supersaturate a solution, you heat up the liquid solution and continue to 
dissolve more solid material at a higher temperature.  When you SLOWLY cool the 
solution back to room temperature and if none of the solid material 
precipitates (comes back out of solution), the solution is considered super-
saturated.  This super-saturated solution now contains more of the solute than 
you could get into solution at room temperature.  You can try this at home with 
sugar and water.

Have fun!

Kieran