What term describes a solution that has dissolved more solute than the typical saturation limit under the same temperature?

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

Answer: (B)

Supersaturated solutions describe a solution that contains more dissolved solute than the usual saturation limit at the same temperature. This state is achieved by dissolving the solute at a higher temperature (where more can dissolve) and then cooling the solution slowly without letting excess solute crystallize. The mixture stays in this metastable condition, with a higher concentration of dissolved solute than equilibrium would allow, until a disturbance or a seed crystal prompts rapid crystallization and the solution returns to the normal saturation level. The other terms describe different states: a saturated solution is at equilibrium with undissolved solute; an unsaturated solution can still dissolve more solute at that temperature; a nonelectrolyte refers to whether the solute dissociates in solution, not to how much solute the solvent can hold.