AN UNSATURATED SOLUTION DIFFERS FROM A SATURATED SOLUTION AT A GIVEN TEMPERATURE BECAUSE IT

• A. Cannot dissolve more solute
• B. Can hold more solute than it can actually dissolve
• C. Can still dissolve more solute at given temperature ✓
• D. Form crystal more easily on cooling

An unsaturated solution differs from a saturated solution at a given temperature because it can still dissolve more solute at a given temperature.

Unsaturated Solution:

• An unsaturated solution is one in which the solvent has not dissolved all of the solute that it can potentially dissolve at a given temperature.
• In an unsaturated solution, there is still room for more solute to be dissolved into the solvent.
• If more solute is added to an unsaturated solution, it will continue to dissolve until it reaches saturation.

Saturated Solution:

• A saturated solution is a solution in which no more solute can be dissolved in the solvent at a specific temperature.
• At saturation, the rate of dissolution equals the rate of crystallization, resulting in a dynamic equilibrium.
• If more solute is added to a saturated solution, it will not dissolve and will remain as solid at the bottom of the container.

Key Differences:

1. Capacity for Dissolution: The main difference between unsaturated and saturated solutions lies in their capacity for dissolving additional solute. Unsaturated solutions can still dissolve more solute, while saturated solutions have reached their maximum capacity at that temperature.
2. Further Dissolution: In an unsaturated solution, adding more solute will lead to further dissolution until saturation is reached. In contrast, adding more solute to a saturated solution will not result in further dissolution.
3. Equilibrium State: Saturated solutions are at equilibrium with undissolved solute present, while unsaturated solutions are not at equilibrium and can continue to dissolve more solute.

In conclusion, an unsaturated solution differs from a saturated solution because it can still dissolve more solute at a given temperature.

In other words, in an unsaturated solution, the solvent has not dissolved the maximum amount of solute possible at that temperature. This means that more solute can be added and dissolved in the solution until it becomes saturated. On the other hand, a saturated solution is one in which the solvent has dissolved the maximum amount of solute possible at that temperature, and any additional solute added will not dissolve but will remain as a solid at the bottom of the container.