Question

a beaker contains a solution. a single solute crystal is added to the solution. immediately, crystals form in the solution. which term best describes the solution before the crystal was added?

• supersaturated
• unsaturated
• diluted
• saturated

Explanation:

A supersaturated solution contains more solute than it can theoretically hold at a given temperature. When a solute crystal is added to a supersaturated solution, it acts as a seed - crystal, causing the excess solute to rapidly crystallize out. In an unsaturated solution, more solute can dissolve without crystallization. A diluted solution just has a low concentration of solute and a saturated solution has the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at a given temperature without excess crystallization upon adding a small solute crystal.

Answer:

supersaturated