Which term describes a solution that can dissolve more solute?

Which term describes a solution that can dissolve more solute?

• A. Colloid
• B. Supersaturated solution
• C. Unsaturated solution
• D. Saturated solution

Answer: (C)

The key idea is whether a solution still has room to dissolve more solute at the current conditions. If a solution can dissolve more solute, it is unsaturated—it hasn’t reached its limit yet, so additional solute will dissolve until the solubility limit is reached. In contrast, a saturated solution has dissolved as much solute as possible at that temperature, so adding more won’t dissolve. A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than is normally possible for the conditions; it’s unstable and can crystallize out if disturbed. A colloid, meanwhile, is not a true solution since the particles are dispersed rather than dissolved. So, the term for a solution that can dissolve more solute is unsaturated.

The key idea is whether a solution still has room to dissolve more solute at the current conditions. If a solution can dissolve more solute, it is unsaturated—it hasn’t reached its limit yet, so additional solute will dissolve until the solubility limit is reached.

In contrast, a saturated solution has dissolved as much solute as possible at that temperature, so adding more won’t dissolve. A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than is normally possible for the conditions; it’s unstable and can crystallize out if disturbed. A colloid, meanwhile, is not a true solution since the particles are dispersed rather than dissolved.

So, the term for a solution that can dissolve more solute is unsaturated.