select the correct answer. a student has a solution of sodium nitrate and believes it is saturated. which…

select the correct answer. a student has a solution of sodium nitrate and believes it is saturated. which statement provides the best evidence that the solution is saturated? a. when more water is added, the appearance of the solution doesnt change. b. when some of the water evaporates, all of the sodium nitrate remains dissolved. c. when a small amount of sodium nitrate is added, a large amount precipitates from the solution. d. when additional sodium nitrate is added, it all settles to the bottom of the container. e. when the temperature of the solution is increased, additional sodium nitrate can be dissolved.
Answer
Brief Explanations:
A saturated solution is one where the maximum amount of solute (sodium nitrate here) is dissolved in the solvent (water) at a given temperature and pressure. When additional solute is added to a saturated solution, it cannot dissolve and settles to the bottom. Option A doesn't indicate saturation as adding water just dilutes the solution. Option B shows the solution may be unsaturated or supersaturated as all solute remains dissolved on evaporation. Option C is incorrect as a small - amount addition shouldn't cause a large - amount precipitation in a normal saturated solution. Option E indicates the solution is unsaturated or supersaturated as more solute can dissolve on heating.
Answer:
D. When additional sodium nitrate is added, it all settles to the bottom of the container.