Learning goal 2: Identify what happens to solute that is added to a saturated solution.Crystals formIt settles as sedimentIt dissolves

When a solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve because the solution has already reached its maximum capacity for dissolving solute. Instead, one of two things will happen:

1. Crystals form: The excess solute can start to form crystals. This is because the particles of the solute will start to gather together, as there is no more space for them to be evenly distributed in the solution.

2. It settles as sediment: The solute can also settle at the bottom of the solution as a sediment. This happens when the particles of the solute are heavier than the solvent, causing them to sink to the bottom.

So, both options can occur depending on the specific conditions of the solution and the solute.