Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet Related

Review Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet related questions and content

What effect does increasing the surface area of a reactant have?

  • A. Decreases the reaction rate
  • B. Has no effect
  • C. Increases the reaction rate
  • D. Stops the reaction
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the surface area of a reactant leads to more particles being exposed to the reaction, which in turn increases the reaction rate. This is because a larger surface area provides more sites for collisions between reacting particles, resulting in a higher frequency of successful collisions and thus accelerating the reaction. Choice A, 'Decreases the reaction rate,' is incorrect because increasing surface area actually accelerates the reaction. Choice B, 'Has no effect,' is incorrect as increasing surface area does have a significant effect on the reaction rate. Choice D, 'Stops the reaction,' is incorrect as increasing surface area does not stop the reaction but rather enhances it.