A solution that contains more dissolved solute than a saturated solution under the same conditions.

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

Answer: (C)

Solubility limits and what it means for a solution to be saturated versus supersaturated are being tested here. Under the same temperature and pressure, a saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve. A supersaturated solution has more dissolved solute than that maximum, achieved by dissolving at a higher temperature and then cooling slowly so extra solute remains in solution. This state is metastable and can rapidly crystallize if disturbed, which is why it’s temporary.

So, when a solution contains more dissolved solute than a saturated solution under the same conditions, it’s a supersaturated solution. The other options don’t fit: a saturated solution holds the maximum amount and cannot legally contain more; an unsaturated solution has less than the maximum dissolved; a colloid is a different type of mixture where particles are dispersed, not simply an overabundance of dissolved solute.