Question

Particles that are smaller and haveb generally dissolve faster.

a.less space between them
b.more surface area
c.more space between them
d.less surface area

Answer 1

The dissolution rate of a substance is influenced by its surface area; particles with more surface area generally dissolve faster due to enhanced interaction with the solvent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dissolution rate of a substance is typically faster when the substance has more surface area exposed to the solvent. This increase in dissolution rate is due to the higher frequency and energy of collisions between solvent molecules and the solute particles. When a substance is broken down into smaller particles, more surface area is exposed. Therefore, a larger surface area allows more solvent molecules to interact with the solute at once, which increases the rate at which the solute dissolves.

Surface area is a critical factor because only the particles on the surface can contact the solvent and begin the dissolution process. For instance, crushing a solid increases its surface area, thereby enhancing the dissolution rate. In contrast, a solid with less surface area exposes fewer particles to the solvent, resulting in slower dissolution.