AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When a solution that has had more solute dissolved at a higher temperature is now cooled, it becomes supersaturated at the lower temperature. Because that supersaturated solution holds more solute than is stable at the lower temperature, crystals start to form.

Detailed explanation-2: -A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than required for preparing a saturated solution and can be prepared by heating a saturated solution, adding more solute, and then cooling it gently. Excess dissolved solute crystallizes by seeding supersaturated solution with a few crystals of the solute.

Detailed explanation-3: -Because the solubility of most solids increases with increasing temperature, a saturated solution that was prepared at a higher temperature usually contains more dissolved solute than it would contain at a lower temperature. When the solution is cooled, it can therefore become supersaturated (Figure 13.2. 1c).

Detailed explanation-4: -The solution obtained by dissolving maximum amount of solute at a given temperature is known as saturated solution. A solution which contains more amount of solute than that is required to saturate it is known as supersaturated solution.

Detailed explanation-5: -Any solution containing more solute than required to prepare a saturated solution at any fixed temperature is called supersaturated solution. Supersaturated solution is a meta-stable state i.e. it will remain in supersaturated state so long it is left undisturbed.