A solution that has dissolved more solute than expected.

A solution that has dissolved more solute than expected.

• A. Supersaturated solution
• B. Acid
• C. Saturated solution
• D. Dilute Solution

Answer: (A)

Supersaturation is when a solvent contains more dissolved solute than it normally can at a given temperature. You can make this by dissolving a lot of solute at a higher temperature and then slowly cooling the solution without allowing crystals to form. The solution stays clear and keeps more solute dissolved than the usual solubility limit for that cooler temperature, so it’s unstable. Any disturbance, like a seed crystal or a bump, can cause the extra solute to crystallize out, returning the solution to its saturated state at the cooler temperature. That’s why this situation fits a supersaturated solution. An acid is about hydrogen ions, not how much solute can dissolve. A saturated solution has the maximum amount of solute at that temperature, not more. A dilute solution contains relatively little solute.

Supersaturation is when a solvent contains more dissolved solute than it normally can at a given temperature. You can make this by dissolving a lot of solute at a higher temperature and then slowly cooling the solution without allowing crystals to form. The solution stays clear and keeps more solute dissolved than the usual solubility limit for that cooler temperature, so it’s unstable. Any disturbance, like a seed crystal or a bump, can cause the extra solute to crystallize out, returning the solution to its saturated state at the cooler temperature.

That’s why this situation fits a supersaturated solution. An acid is about hydrogen ions, not how much solute can dissolve. A saturated solution has the maximum amount of solute at that temperature, not more. A dilute solution contains relatively little solute.