Final answer:
Less solvent in polymer reprecipitation leads to reduced solubility of the polymer, resulting in precipitation at a higher concentration and formation of larger particle sizes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In polymer reprecipitation, using a smaller amount of solvent might result in a larger particle size of the precipitated polymer because smaller amounts of solvent reduce solubility.
When the solvent is cooled, a polymer that is less soluble will begin to precipitate out.
Given that solubility is defined as the maximum concentration of a substance that can be achieved under specified conditions, if less solvent is present, the polymer reaches its solubility limit more quickly.
This results in larger particles because there is not enough solvent to allow for the formation of smaller particles, which require a more diluted solution.
Therefore, larger particles form when there is a higher concentration of polymer relative to the solvent volume.