Küllastumist

Küllastumine is an Estonian term that generally translates to saturation or suffusion. In chemistry, it refers to a solution that contains the maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved at a given temperature and pressure. If more solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and will remain as a solid. The concentration of solute in a saturated solution is known as the solubility of that solute under those specific conditions.

The concept of saturation is also applied in other contexts. For instance, in psychology, it can describe a state where a person has experienced too much of something, leading to a reduced ability to experience it further or a feeling of being overwhelmed. This could be related to sensory input, emotional experiences, or even information processing. In a more general sense, küllastumine can imply a state of being full or having reached a limit, beyond which no further addition or increase is possible or desirable.

The process of reaching saturation often involves reaching an equilibrium between the dissolved and undissolved solute. Temperature plays a crucial role; for most solids, solubility increases with temperature, meaning a solution can hold more solute when heated. Conversely, for gases, solubility typically decreases with increasing temperature. Understanding küllastumine is fundamental in fields ranging from chemical engineering and environmental science to sensory perception and cognitive studies.