Which of the following describes an unsaturated solution?

Which of the following describes an unsaturated solution?

• A. A solution that contains the maximum solute concentration
• B. A solution that cannot dissolve more solute
• C. A solution that contains less solute than it can hold
• D. A solution that has a fixed amount of solute regardless of temperature

Answer: (C)

An unsaturated solution is characterized by the presence of less solute than the maximum amount it can dissolve at a given temperature. This means there is still capacity within the solution to dissolve more solute. In various contexts, if you were to add more solute to an unsaturated solution, it would continue to dissolve until it reaches saturation, where no additional solute can be dissolved at that temperature. In contrast, a saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can be maintained in solution under the current conditions (typically temperature and pressure), and a supersaturated solution holds more solute than is normally possible, often achieved by altering the conditions. The definition of an unsaturated solution distinctly highlights its ability to still accept more solute before reaching saturation, which is the key point that makes this description accurate.

An unsaturated solution is characterized by the presence of less solute than the maximum amount it can dissolve at a given temperature. This means there is still capacity within the solution to dissolve more solute. In various contexts, if you were to add more solute to an unsaturated solution, it would continue to dissolve until it reaches saturation, where no additional solute can be dissolved at that temperature.

In contrast, a saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute that can be maintained in solution under the current conditions (typically temperature and pressure), and a supersaturated solution holds more solute than is normally possible, often achieved by altering the conditions. The definition of an unsaturated solution distinctly highlights its ability to still accept more solute before reaching saturation, which is the key point that makes this description accurate.