What best describes an unsaturated solution? a. It tends to be darker in color. b. There is a greater amount of solute in the given solvent. c. It normally does not have undissolved solute. d. It has undissolved solute that can be seen in the solution.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: c. It normally does not have undissolved solute.
An unsaturated solution is a type of solution that contains less solute than the maximum amount that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature and pressure. Because the solute is fully dissolved, no undissolved particles remain visible. This means the solution is still capable of dissolving more solute if it is added.
In contrast, a saturated solution has reached its maximum capacity for dissolving solute. If more solute is added to a saturated solution, it will remain undissolved and often settle at the bottom. A supersaturated solution holds more solute than what is normally possible under standard conditions, but it is unstable and any disturbance can cause the excess solute to precipitate out.
Option c is correct because in an unsaturated solution, all the solute has dissolved completely in the solvent, meaning the solution does not have undissolved solute. The solution looks clear and uniform throughout.
Option a is incorrect because the color of a solution depends on the type of solute, not on whether the solution is saturated or unsaturated.
Option b is incorrect because a greater amount of solute would suggest a saturated or supersaturated solution, not an unsaturated one.
Option d is incorrect because the presence of visible, undissolved solute means the solution is saturated or the solute is insoluble, not unsaturated.
Therefore, the most accurate description of an unsaturated solution is that it normally does not have undissolved solute, as the solvent can still dissolve more of the solute under the current conditions.