Küllastumine

Küllastumine is an Estonian term that translates to saturation in English. It is most commonly used in chemistry and physics to describe a state where a substance or solution can no longer dissolve, absorb, or hold any more of another substance.

In chemistry, a saturated solution is one in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a solvent at a given temperature and pressure. If more solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and will typically settle at the bottom or remain undissolved. This concept is crucial in understanding solubility and precipitation reactions. The point of saturation is determined by the solubility limit of the solute in the solvent under specific conditions.

The term "küllastumine" can also be applied in a broader sense to describe a state of being completely filled or overwhelmed. For example, a sponge can become saturated with water, meaning it has absorbed as much water as it can hold. In material science, a material might reach its saturation point for a particular element or compound. Similarly, in fields like psychology or economics, one might speak of information saturation or market saturation, where no further absorption or growth is possible in the current state. The underlying principle remains the same: a limit has been reached, and no more can be accommodated.