Q16.4P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

A gas reacts with a solid presence in large chunks. Then the reaction is run again with the solid pulverized. How does the increase in the surface area of the solid affect the rate of its reaction with the gas? Explain.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The answer is,

Reaction rate increases

Step 1: Reaction rate

The rate of a reaction is the speed with which the reaction proceeds for a chemical reaction. The factors like temperature, the pressure of the vessel, the surface area of the reacting substrates, etc., will affect the reaction rate. The change in parameters will be favourable to increase or decrease the reaction rate.

Step 2: Explanation

The increase in the surface area of the reacting substrates will increase the reaction rate. The gaseous molecules can interact with the solid substrates from all sides, and the higher surface area of the solid makes the interaction faster. Hence the rate becomes high.