A supersaturated solution will precipitate when disturbed.

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Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

A supersaturated solution will precipitate when disturbed.

Explanation:
A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than is normally possible at that temperature; it is a metastable state. Because of this instability, any disturbance creates a site for nuclei to form, which lowers the energy barrier for crystallization. Once a nucleus forms, the dissolved solute precipitates rapidly as crystals grow. That’s why this statement is the best: disturbing a supersaturated solution triggers precipitation. The other ideas aren’t accurate because a metastable solution doesn’t precipitate instantly without any trigger, and it isn’t guaranteed to never precipitate or to remain stable under all conditions.

A supersaturated solution contains more dissolved solute than is normally possible at that temperature; it is a metastable state. Because of this instability, any disturbance creates a site for nuclei to form, which lowers the energy barrier for crystallization. Once a nucleus forms, the dissolved solute precipitates rapidly as crystals grow. That’s why this statement is the best: disturbing a supersaturated solution triggers precipitation. The other ideas aren’t accurate because a metastable solution doesn’t precipitate instantly without any trigger, and it isn’t guaranteed to never precipitate or to remain stable under all conditions.

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