What are the characteristics of the supersaturated solution.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Supersaturated Solution**:
A supersaturated solution is a solution that contains more solute than it can normally hold at a given temperature. This occurs when a solution is prepared at a higher temperature and then cooled down without allowing the excess solute to crystallize.

**Hint**: Remember that a supersaturated solution is unstable and holds more solute than its saturation point.

2. **Characteristics of Supersaturated Solutions**:
- **Higher Solute Concentration**: Supersaturated solutions have a solute concentration greater than the equilibrium solubility at a specific temperature.

**Hint**: Think of how temperature affects solubility; higher temperatures allow more solute to dissolve.

3. **Instability**:
Supersaturated solutions are unstable. Any disturbance, such as adding a small crystal of solute or even shaking the solution, can cause rapid crystallization of the excess solute.

**Hint**: Consider what happens when you introduce a seed crystal into a supersaturated solution.

4. **Crystallization**:
When a tiny crystal of solute is added to a supersaturated solution, it acts as a nucleation site, leading to rapid crystallization of the excess solute.

**Hint**: Visualize how a snowball forms; once a small particle is present, more material accumulates quickly.

5. **No Equilibrium**:
In a supersaturated solution, there is no dynamic equilibrium between the solute and solvent. The solution is in a state where the solute is not in balance with the solvent.

**Hint**: Think about how in a saturated solution, solute and solvent are balanced, but in a supersaturated solution, this balance is disrupted.

6. **Example**:
A common example of a supersaturated solution is a hot copper sulfate (CuSO4) solution. When heated, more copper sulfate can dissolve, and upon cooling, the solution can remain supersaturated until disturbed.

**Hint**: Remember specific examples, like CuSO4, to illustrate the concept of supersaturation.

### Summary of Characteristics:
- Contains more solute than the saturation point at a given temperature.
- Unstable and prone to crystallization.
- Crystallization occurs rapidly upon disturbance.
- No equilibrium between solute and solvent.
- Can be exemplified by solutions like copper sulfate.