A chemist is trying to get two substances to react, but he is unsuccessful. He knows that the two substances should react with one another. Which of the following could he do to possibly get the substances to react? (Select all that apply)
a
crush up one of the substances
b
increase the concentration of one of the substances
c
cool the substances
d
heat the substances
e
decrease the concentration of one of the substances
a, b, c, d, e
D B
To possibly get the substances to react, the chemist could do the following:
a) Crush up one of the substances: By increasing the surface area of the substance, it can improve the contact between the reacting particles, potentially leading to a reaction.
b) Increase the concentration of one of the substances: Higher concentration provides a greater chance for collisions between the reactant particles, increasing the likelihood of a reaction.
d) Heat the substances: Increasing the temperature provides more kinetic energy to the particles, helping them overcome the activation energy barrier required for the reaction to occur.
So, the chemist could crush up one of the substances, increase the concentration of one of the substances, and heat the substances.
To possibly get the substances to react, the chemist can try the following options:
a) Crush up one of the substances: By increasing the surface area of the substance, more particles will be exposed to react with the other substance, potentially enhancing the chances of a reaction.
b) Increase the concentration of one of the substances: Higher concentration means there are more particles available to react, increasing the likelihood of a successful reaction.
c) Cool the substances: Lowering the temperature can sometimes slow down the reaction, but it can also alter the reactivity of the substances, making them more likely to react.
d) Heat the substances: Increasing the temperature can provide the necessary activation energy for the reaction to occur, thus increasing the chances of a successful reaction.
e) Decrease the concentration of one of the substances: Although this might seem counterintuitive, decreasing the concentration of one substance can sometimes limit the number of available particles, forcing them to come into closer contact with each other, increasing the chances of reaction.
Therefore, options a, b, c, d, and e are all strategies that the chemist can try to possibly get the substances to react.