When a saturated solution of sodium chloride is heated it

Options

A. Remains saturated
B. becomes unsaturated
C. Becomes supersaturated
D. Achieves equilibrium state

Answer

To solve the question "When a saturated solution of sodium chloride is heated, what happens?", we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Saturated Solutions**:
- A saturated solution is a solution that has reached the maximum concentration of solute (in this case, sodium chloride) that can be dissolved in a solvent (usually water) at a given temperature. At this point, no more solute can dissolve.

**Hint**: Recall the definition of a saturated solution and the conditions under which it exists.

2. **Effect of Heating**:
- When a saturated solution is heated, the temperature of the solution increases. This increase in temperature raises the kinetic energy of the molecules in the solution.

**Hint**: Consider how temperature affects molecular motion and energy.

3. **Increased Kinetic Energy**:
- The increase in kinetic energy causes the solvent molecules to move faster and further apart. This creates more space in the solution.

**Hint**: Think about how increased molecular motion can affect solute-solvent interactions.

4. **Dissolving More Solute**:
- With the increased space created by the faster-moving solvent molecules, the solution can now accommodate more solute. Thus, the saturated solution can dissolve additional sodium chloride.

**Hint**: Reflect on the relationship between solubility and temperature for ionic compounds like sodium chloride.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since the solution can now dissolve more sodium chloride, it transitions from a saturated state to an unsaturated state. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the saturated solution becomes unsaturated upon heating.

**Hint**: Consider the definitions of saturated and unsaturated solutions to confirm your conclusion.

### Final Answer:
When a saturated solution of sodium chloride is heated, it becomes unsaturated.