What is the term for a solution that can hold more solute than is currently dissolved?

The term for a solution that can hold more solute than it currently has dissolved is 'unsaturated.' In an unsaturated solution, the solvent is capable of dissolving more solute, which means that additional solute can still dissolve without reaching the maximum solubility limit. This is a key characteristic of unsaturated solutions in chemistry because it indicates that there is still available space in the solvent to accommodate more solute molecules.

In contrast, a saturated solution has reached its maximum capacity for solute, meaning no additional solute can dissolve at the given conditions. A supersaturated solution occurs when a solution contains more solute than it can typically hold under normal conditions, often achieved by changing the temperature or pressure. A concentrated solution refers to a solution that has a high amount of solute relative to the solvent, but it doesn’t specify whether it has reached saturation or not. Understanding these definitions helps clarify how substances interact in solution and the dynamics of solubility.