Which of the following statements best describes an unsaturated solution according to solubility rules?

• A. The solution contains no solute at all.
• B. The solution contains exactly the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at a given temperature.
• C. The solution contains more solute than can dissolve, resulting in undissolved solid.
• D. The solution contains less solute than the maximum amount that can dissolve at a given temperature.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of solubility: it is the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve in a solvent at a specific temperature to form a saturated solution.
2. Recognize that an unsaturated solution contains less solute than the maximum amount that can dissolve, meaning more solute can still dissolve if added.
3. Contrast this with a saturated solution, which contains exactly the maximum amount of solute that can dissolve at that temperature, with no undissolved solute present.
4. Note that a supersaturated solution contains more solute than the solubility limit, often resulting in undissolved solute or precipitation.
5. Therefore, the best description of an unsaturated solution is that it contains less solute than the maximum amount that can dissolve at a given temperature.