A solution is sitting undisturbed on a side shelf in the laboratory. A small crystal of the same solute of which the solution is made was gently dropped into the solution. Suddenly, a mass of crystals forms and settles to the bottom of the container. The solution is, or must have been

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rapid formation of crystals upon adding a small crystal indicates that the solution was supersaturated, meaning it contained more solute than it could normally hold at that temperature. The added crystal provided a nucleation site for the excess solute to crystallize out.

A Solution Is Sitting Undisturbed on a Side Shelf in the Laboratory