The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is that the solution is supersaturated.
To determine the state of the solution, one must use Table G, the solubility curves chart. This graph shows the maximum amount of a solute, in grams, that can be dissolved in 100 grams of water across a range of temperatures. The classification of a solution as unsaturated, saturated, or supersaturated depends on comparing the actual amount of solute present to this maximum solubility limit at a given temperature.
An unsaturated solution contains less solute than the maximum amount possible, and its data point would lie below the specific solute’s curve on the graph. A saturated solution contains the exact maximum amount of solute that can be dissolved, so its data point falls directly on the curve. A supersaturated solution is an unstable mixture that holds more dissolved solute than the saturation point allows, meaning its data point is located above the curve.
The problem describes a solution made of 110 grams of potassium nitrate (KNO₃) dissolved in 100 grams of water at 60°C. Following the procedure for Table G, we first find 60°C on the horizontal temperature axis. Next, we move vertically up from this point until we intersect the line representing the solubility of KNO₃. From this intersection, we look horizontally to the left to read the value on the vertical solubility axis. At 60°C, the chart shows that a saturated solution of KNO₃ contains approximately 106 grams of solute per 100 grams of water.
Since the described solution contains 110 grams of KNO₃, which is more than the maximum solubility of about 106 grams at 60°C, the solution is holding more solute than it should be able to at that temperature. Therefore, the solution is supersaturated. If this point were plotted on the graph, it would be located at the coordinates (60°C, 110 g), placing it distinctly above the KNO₃ solubility curve.
