A beaker contains a solution. A single solute crystal is added to the solution. Immediately, crystals form in the solution. Which term best describes the solution before the crystal was added?

The solution was supersaturated. It contained more dissolved solute than it could normally hold at that temperature, so adding a crystal provided a starting point for excess solute to crystallize out. A saturated solution holds the maximum amount but does not necessarily form crystals immediately when a crystal is added.

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