If no more solute can dissolve at a given temperature, the solution is

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

Answer: (C)

When a solution has dissolved as much solute as the temperature allows, it has reached its solubility limit. This means the solution is saturated: no more solute can dissolve at that temperature because the rate of dissolution equals the rate of crystallization. You might also see undissolved solute at the bottom, which confirms the solution has reached its capacity to hold more dissolved material. This differs from an unsaturated solution, which can still dissolve more solute at the same temperature. It’s also not a suspension, where solid particles are not dissolved and may settle, or a colloid, where fine particles are dispersed but not fully dissolved. Therefore, the described scenario is a saturated solution.