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Name: Alexandra
Status: Educator
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: April 2002
Question:
Are there commercial uses of supersaturated solutions? If so, what are these?


Replies:
Here is one for you: reusable heat packs.

http://membership.acs.org/C/Chicago/ChmShort/CS02.html#4.02

(The URL is to a "ChemShorts for Kids" installation on the topic, by Kathleen Carrado, published by the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society).

The supersaturated solution releases hear when crystals are finally induced to form.

Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois

There are probably many, but two that come to mind immediately are:

1. Carbonated beverages, beer, and some sparkling wines
2. Honey.

Vince Calder


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