Which of the following will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves? (Select all that apply.)
a
decreasing temperature
b
stirring
c
increasing temperature
d
decreasing surface area
e
increasing surface area
b
c
e
The following options will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves:
- Stirring (b): Stirring or mixing the solute and solvent enhances the interaction between them, allowing more solute particles to come into contact with the solvent and dissolve.
- Increasing temperature (c): Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of the solute particles, allowing them to move more quickly and collide with the solvent particles more frequently. This increased collision rate promotes faster dissolution.
- Increasing surface area (e): Breaking the solute into smaller pieces or increasing its surface area allows more solvent to come into contact with the solute particles, leading to faster dissolution.
Therefore, options (b), (c), and (e) will all increase the rate at which a solute dissolves.
To determine which factors will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves, we need to consider the following options:
a) Decreasing temperature: This option will actually reduce the rate of dissolution. Lowering the temperature of a solvent generally decreases its solubility, meaning less solute can dissolve.
b) Stirring: This option will increase the rate of dissolution. Stirring or agitating the solution increases the contact between the solute particles and the solvent, facilitating the dissolution process.
c) Increasing temperature: This option will increase the rate of dissolution. Raising the temperature of a solvent usually increases its solubility, allowing more solute to dissolve.
d) Decreasing surface area: This option will decrease the rate of dissolution. Reducing the surface area of the solute particles minimizes their contact with the solvent, resulting in slower dissolution.
e) Increasing surface area: This option will increase the rate of dissolution. Increasing the surface area of the solute particles, such as through grinding or crushing them into smaller pieces, will enhance their contact with the solvent, leading to faster dissolution.
Therefore, the correct options are b (stirring), c (increasing temperature), and e (increasing surface area).