A student is making a salt water solution for a lab experiment. Which of the following would increase in the rate the salt dissolves?
a
cooling the water
b
using salt cubes instead of crushed salt
c
stirring the solution
d
adding more salt
Answer: c. Stirring the solution.
Well, my friend, to dissolve salt faster, one could consider a few options. Let me juggle these choices for you. Cooling the water might slow down the rate of salt dissolution because chilly temperatures tend to decrease the movement of particles. Using salt cubes instead of crushed salt might also take longer to dissolve since cubes offer less surface area for the water to attack. However, stirring the solution, option C, would definitely speed things up. Think of it as a mini-whirlwind party where the water and salt get to mingle and dance together, helping the salt dissolve more rapidly. So, my vote goes for option C! Stir it up, baby!
The correct answer is c) stirring the solution. Stirring the solution would increase the rate at which the salt dissolves. This is because stirring helps to distribute the salt molecules more evenly throughout the water, increasing the likelihood of interactions between the water molecules and the salt particles and speeding up the dissolution process.
To determine which of the options would increase the rate at which salt dissolves in a salt water solution, let's analyze each option:
a) Cooling the water:
When water is cooled, its molecules slow down and become more packed together. This decrease in temperature reduces the kinetic energy of the water molecules and therefore decreases their ability to interact with and dissolve the salt particles. As a result, cooling the water would decrease the rate at which the salt dissolves. Therefore, option a) would not increase the rate of salt dissolving.
b) Using salt cubes instead of crushed salt:
The rate at which a solid substance dissolves depends on its surface area. The greater the surface area, the more particles are exposed to the solvent, and the faster the dissolving process. Using crushed salt increases its surface area, allowing more salt particles to come into contact with the water and dissolve faster. On the other hand, salt cubes have a smaller surface area, which would limit the contact between the salt and the water, slowing down the dissolving process. Therefore, option b) would not increase the rate of salt dissolving.
c) Stirring the solution:
Stirring the solution would increase the rate at which the salt dissolves. When you stir a solution, you are increasing the contact between the salt and the water. Stirring promotes the movement and collisions of salt particles with water molecules, enhancing the dissolution process. Therefore, option c) would increase the rate of salt dissolving.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option c) stirring the solution.