Salzhösungen

Salzhösungen, also known as saline solutions or salt solutions, are mixtures of a salt dissolved in a solvent, typically water. The concentration of the salt in the solution is a key characteristic and can vary widely. A solution where the maximum amount of solute (the salt) has dissolved in the solvent is called a saturated solution. If more salt is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and will settle at the bottom. Unsaturated solutions contain less solute than can be dissolved at a given temperature. Supersaturated solutions, which are less common, contain more dissolved solute than is normally possible at that temperature, and are often unstable.

Salzhaltungen are fundamental in various scientific and industrial applications. In chemistry, they are used as reagents, standards for calibration, and in electrochemical processes. The properties of a salt solution, such as its conductivity and freezing point, are significantly affected by the concentration of the dissolved salt. In biology and medicine, isotonic saline solutions, which have a similar salt concentration to body fluids, are crucial for intravenous drips, wound irrigation, and contact lens care, as they minimize damage to cells. Other applications include food preservation, de-icing roads, and in the manufacturing of various chemicals. The choice of salt and its concentration depends entirely on the intended purpose of the solution.