Chapter 16.2, Problem 16SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The effect on the rate of reaction needs to be explained, if one reactant is powdered than used as a single chunk.

Concept introduction:

Rate of a reaction is the speed at which the reactant changes into product. There are many factors which affects rate of a reaction, such as, nature of reactant, concentration of reactant, surface area of reactant, temperature etc.

Answer to Problem 16SSC

Rate of reaction will increase on grounding one reactant to powdered form.

Explanation of Solution

Surface area is one of the factors that affect rate of a chemical reaction. According to the collision theory, the increase of collision between reacting particles increase rate of reaction. Grounding a reactant to power indicates that the surface area of the reactant increases. Increasing surface area of a reactant speeds up reaction by increasing rate of collision between reactant particles.

Conclusion

Increasing surface area of reactant leads to increase of rate of reaction.