If a crystal added to an aqueous solution causes many particles to come out of the solution, the original solution was___?
A: saturated.
B: an emulsion.
C: supersaturated.
D: unsaturated
http://genchem.chem.wisc.edu/demonstrations/gen_chem_pages/11solutionspage/crystallization_from_super.htm
To determine the answer to this question, we can first understand the definitions of the different types of solutions: saturated, unsaturated, and supersaturated.
- A saturated solution is a solution in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved at a particular temperature. At this point, adding more solute will not dissolve further.
- An unsaturated solution is a solution that can dissolve more solute at the given conditions. It has not reached its saturation point and can still take in more solute.
- A supersaturated solution is a solution that contains more dissolved solute than would normally be possible at a particular temperature. These solutions are generally unstable and can result in the precipitation of excess solute when disturbed or when a seed crystal is added.
In this case, if a crystal added to an aqueous solution causes many particles to come out of the solution, it suggests that the solution was supersaturated. The excess solute is coming out of the solution in the form of solid particles.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: supersaturated.