Question

A reaction takes place between an acid and 0.5 gram of solid magnesium ribbon. Another reaction takes place between an acid and 0.5 grams of powdered magnesium which statement is true?

A.The powdered magnesium reacts faster because it has a greater surface area

B. The powdered magnesium reacts faster because the activation energy has been lowered

C.The magnesium strip reacts faster because it has a higher concentration of magnesium

D. The magnesium strip reacts faster because it will create a higher temperature once the reaction starts

Answer 1

A

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer would be that the powdered magnesium reacts faster because it has a greater surface area.

The rate of reaction is defined as the rate of disappearance of the reactants in a reaction or the rate of conversion of appearance of products during a reaction.

The rate of reaction is dependent on several factors such as the concentration of the reactants, temperature of the reaction, nature of reactants, and the presence or absence of catalysts during the reaction.

As far as the nature of reactants is concerned, the surface area of reactants comes into play. Reactants with higher surface areas react faster than reactants with lesser surface areas. Hence, powdery reactants react faster than solid reactants because the latter has a higher surface area than the former.

The correct option is A.