Question

Given the balanced equation representing a reaction:

Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) → FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
This reaction occurs more quickly when powdered iron is used instead of a single piece of iron of the same mass because the powdered iron
(1) acts as a better catalyst than the single piece of iron
(2) absorbs less energy than the single piece of iron
(3) has a greater surface area than the single piece of iron
(4) is more metallic than the single piece of iron

Answer 1

Answer: Option (3) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

One of the important factor on which rate of reaction depends is surface area. That is, when a compound is crushed into powdered form then there will be increase in surface area of the compound.

Hence, now more number of particles can interact, therefore, there will be increase in rate of reaction.

Thus, we can conclude that reaction occurs more quickly when powdered iron is used instead of a single piece of iron of the same mass because the powdered iron has a greater surface area than the single piece of iron.