Question
(h) The large cube of calcium carbonate was divided into eight smaller cubes. The eight smaller cubes have a greater total surface area than the one large Cube. Compare the rate of reaction when using the eight smaller cubes with the rate of reaction when using the large cube. Complete the sentence. Choose the answer from the box. faster slower the same The rate of reaction of the eight smaller cubes is __
Answer
3.8
(323 Votes)
Yolande
Expert · Tutor for 3 years
Answer
faster.
Explanation
In chemistry, the rate of a reaction is closely linked with the surface area of the reactants involved. Consider this concept: If a solid is divided into numerous smaller parts, the total surface area increases. Why does this matter? Because increased surface area enhances the chances of collision or interaction with other reactants involved, in this situation, with the second reactant. Basically, the reaction speed can be intensified by having smaller particles making up the exact same mass of a reactant, because you have 'created' more exposure for interaction just by modifying its physical form, without adding any extra amount. Thus, when decomposing the large cube of calcium carbonate into eight smaller cubes, we increase the total surface area and consequently, the speed of reaction tends to be faster. The mass remains unchanged during this process and it doesn't have any particular impact on the rate of reaction, so this transformation speeds up the reaction despite the lack of extra reactant mass. As such, the sentence can be completed as 'The rate of reaction of the eight smaller cubes is faster'. So, the answer is.