Which term describes a solution that has dissolved so much solute that no more will dissolve?

Which term describes a solution that has dissolved so much solute that no more will dissolve?

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

Answer: (C)

At a given temperature, there is a limit to how much solute can dissolve. When the solution has dissolved as much as possible, with dissolution and crystallization balancing each other, it is saturated. In a saturated solution, adding more solute will not dissolve and additional solid will remain. This is different from a concentrated solution, which just means a large amount of solute is present but not necessarily at the limit; an unsaturated solution can still dissolve more solute; and a supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than is normally possible at that temperature, though it’s an unstable condition that can crystallize suddenly.

At a given temperature, there is a limit to how much solute can dissolve. When the solution has dissolved as much as possible, with dissolution and crystallization balancing each other, it is saturated. In a saturated solution, adding more solute will not dissolve and additional solid will remain. This is different from a concentrated solution, which just means a large amount of solute is present but not necessarily at the limit; an unsaturated solution can still dissolve more solute; and a supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than is normally possible at that temperature, though it’s an unstable condition that can crystallize suddenly.