Which of the following best describes a chart that represents a saturated solution?

• A. A chart showing that the concentration of dissolved solute decreases as more solute is added.
• B. A chart showing that the concentration of dissolved solute remains constant as more solute is added.
• C. A chart showing that the concentration of dissolved solute increases continuously as more solute is added.
• D. A chart showing no change in solute concentration regardless of the amount of solute added.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a saturated solution: it is a solution in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved at a given temperature, and any additional solute will not dissolve.
2. Recognize that in a saturated solution, the concentration of dissolved solute reaches a maximum and remains constant even if more solute is added, because the solution cannot dissolve any more solute beyond this point.
3. Analyze the behavior of solute concentration as more solute is added: initially, concentration increases as solute dissolves, but once saturation is reached, the concentration plateaus and does not increase further.
4. Interpret the chart that best represents this behavior: it should show the concentration of dissolved solute increasing up to a point and then remaining constant despite adding more solute.
5. Conclude that the correct description is a chart showing that the concentration of dissolved solute remains constant as more solute is added, reflecting the saturated state of the solution.