What describes a solution that has dissolved more solute than expected?

What describes a solution that has dissolved more solute than expected?

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

Answer: (A)

A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than would normally be possible at the given temperature. This happens when you dissolve solute at a higher temperature (where it can dissolve more) and then cool the solution slowly without crystals forming. The extra solute stays dissolved, creating a metastable state that seems to hold more solute than normal. It’s unstable—even a small disturbance or a seed crystal can spark rapid crystallization, returning the solution to its saturated state. In contrast, a saturated solution already holds the maximum amount of solute at that temperature, and a dilute or concentrated label simply describes how much solute is present relative to that maximum, not the metastable condition.

A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than would normally be possible at the given temperature. This happens when you dissolve solute at a higher temperature (where it can dissolve more) and then cool the solution slowly without crystals forming. The extra solute stays dissolved, creating a metastable state that seems to hold more solute than normal. It’s unstable—even a small disturbance or a seed crystal can spark rapid crystallization, returning the solution to its saturated state. In contrast, a saturated solution already holds the maximum amount of solute at that temperature, and a dilute or concentrated label simply describes how much solute is present relative to that maximum, not the metastable condition.