Supersaturation Ratio

The supersaturation ratio measures how much a substance's concentration in a solution exceeds its normal maximum (saturation point) without crystallizing. If the ratio is above 1, the solution is supersaturated, meaning it contains more dissolved material than it usually can hold at equilibrium. This state is unstable and can lead to rapid crystallization or precipitation when disturbed. The ratio helps scientists understand the likelihood of crystal formation and is important in fields like geology, chemistry, and materials science, where controlling crystal growth is essential.