Chapter 16: Problem 14

Explain the effect that area has on reactions that occur on surfaces.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The surface area affects reactions that occur on surfaces significantly. By increasing the surface area of a substance, the reaction rate is increased since there is more exposed material available to interact. This concept is utilized in various fields, such as the use of finely divided catalysts to speed up reactions.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Reaction Rates

Reacting substances make products. The rate of a reaction is the speed at which these products are made. The rate can be measured in a variety of ways, depending on what the reaction products are. For example, if a gas is made, then the rate could be measured by determining the volume of gas produced per unit time.

Understanding Surface Area

Surface area refers to the outside part or the outermost layer of an object. A substance that is finely divided, such as a powder, has a much greater surface area than the same amount of substance in a single lump.

Linking Surface Area to Reaction Rates

The rate of a reaction between substances that are in contact with each other can be increased by increasing the surface area of one or more of the substances. This increases the area available for particles to hit each other, which means there’s a greater chance of them reacting. In other words, the reaction rate increases when the surface area is increased as there is more 'exposed' material that can interact.

Examples

An example can be seen in the use of catalysts, which often work by providing a surface on which the reactants can come together to react. A finely divided catalyst has a larger surface area and is therefore more effective. Similarly, powdered sugar dissolves faster than sugar cubes because the increased surface area allows for a faster reaction with the solvent.

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Explain the effect that area has on reactions that occur on surfaces.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Reaction Rates

Understanding Surface Area

Linking Surface Area to Reaction Rates

Examples

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