Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When a solid solute is added to a solvent, two opposing physical processes occur:
1. Dissolution: Solute particles leave the solid phase and enter the liquid phase.
2. Crystallization: Dissolved solute particles collide with the solid surface and re-attach to the solid phase.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Initially, the rate of dissolution is high. As more solute dissolves, the concentration increases, and the rate of crystallization also increases.
Eventually, a state is reached where the number of particles entering the solution equals the number of particles leaving it.
\[ \text{Solute} + \text{Solvent} \rightleftharpoons \text{Solution} \]
At this point, the concentration of the solution becomes constant at a given temperature. This is known as a saturated solution.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Dynamic equilibrium is defined by the equality of the rates of the forward and backward processes. Therefore, Rate of dissolution \( = \) Rate of crystallization.