C5.2.4 - Particle Size And Reaction Rate Flashcards
1
Q
Why do reactions go faster when the surface area of the solid increases?
A
The particles can only react at the surface as they can’t move, only vibrate, so the more particles on the surface the quicker the reaction
2
Q
Why do powders react much quicker than huge lumps of reactant?
A
The smaller the pieces of reactants are, the larger the surface area : volume ratio is, which increases rate of reaction
