Question

When a flame is brought near a lump of coal, the coal slowly begins to burn. When the same flame is placed near the path of falling coal dust, an explosion occurs. What is the factor that causes the second reaction to have a faster rate of reaction?

a) Concentration
b) Surface area
c) Temperature

Answer 1

The factor that causes the second reaction to have a faster rate of reaction is surface area.

Step-by-step explanation:

The factor that causes the second reaction to have a faster rate of reaction is surface area. When a flame is placed near the path of falling coal dust, an explosion occurs because the coal dust provides a greater surface area compared to the lump of coal. An increase in surface area leads to more collisions between reactant particles, which increases the rate of the reaction.