Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which type of solution exists when the solute exceeds its solubility at a given temperature?

1. Saturated solution

2. Supersaturated solution

3. Unsaturated solution

4. Colloidal solution

The correct answer is: Supersaturated solution

A supersaturated solution occurs when a solvent contains more dissolved solute than it can typically hold at a specified temperature. This state is achieved by increasing the temperature of a saturated solution and dissolving more solute as the temperature rises. After cooling it down without allowing the extra solute to precipitate out, the solution remains stable with an excess amount of solute dissolved. This condition is distinct due to its metastable nature, where any disturbance can cause the excess solute to precipitate. Understanding this concept is essential in various applications, such as in the preparation of certain types of candies and pharmaceuticals, where controlling the solubility is crucial for achieving the desired properties. The other types of solutions do not describe this condition accurately; a saturated solution contains the maximum amount of solute at that temperature, an unsaturated solution has room for more solute to dissolve, and a colloidal solution involves larger particles distributed throughout a solvent without being dissolved.