Question detail
Explain why powdered solid reactants react faster than larger chunks of the same substance.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Rate of reaction
Question
Explain why powdered solid reactants react faster than larger chunks of the same substance.
Answer
Powdered solid reactants have a greater surface area compared to larger chunks. This increased surface area allows more particles to collide with reactant particles, resultingin a higher collision frequency and thus a faster reaction rate.
Explanation
This question assesses the student's ability to apply their knowledge of surface area and reaction rates. It requires them to explain the underlyingreason for the observed difference in reaction rates, linkingphysical properties to chemical behavior.
Common mistake
Surface area misinterpreted as volume
Students often think that increasing the volume of a solid reactant will increase the reaction rate, rather than the surface area.
Explain that only the exposed surface area of the solid is available for collisions; increasing volume without changing surface area (e.g., a larger but less finely divided piece) does not affect the rate.
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