Which of the following best describes a supersaturated solution?

• A. A solution that contains less solute than the maximum amount that can dissolve at a given temperature.
• B. A solution in which no more solute can dissolve at a given temperature.
• C. A solution in which the solute is completely undissolved.
• D. A solution that contains more dissolved solute than it would normally hold at a given temperature.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of solubility, which is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a specific temperature to form a saturated solution.
2. Step 2: Recognize that an unsaturated solution contains less solute than the maximum amount that can dissolve at that temperature, meaning more solute can still dissolve.
3. Step 3: Identify that a saturated solution contains exactly the maximum amount of solute dissolved at that temperature, with no more solute able to dissolve under normal conditions.
4. Step 4: Learn that a supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than the saturation point at that temperature, which is an unstable state often achieved by changing conditions such as temperature and then cooling carefully.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of a supersaturated solution is one that holds more dissolved solute than it would normally hold at a given temperature, beyond the saturation limit.