Which of the following will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves? (Select all that apply.)
a
increasing surface area
b
decreasing surface area
c
decreasing temperature
d
increasing temperature
e
stirring
a) increasing surface area
d) increasing temperature
e) stirring
The following options will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves:
a. Increasing surface area
e. Stirring
d. Increasing temperature
To determine which factors will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves, we can analyze the choices given.
a) Increasing surface area: Increasing the surface area of the solute will expose more particles to the solvent, allowing for a higher frequency of collisions and thus increasing the rate of dissolution. Therefore, increasing surface area will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves.
b) Decreasing surface area: Decreasing the surface area of the solute will have the opposite effect. This will reduce the number of particles exposed to the solvent, resulting in a lower rate of dissolution. Therefore, decreasing surface area will not increase the rate at which a solute dissolves.
c) Decreasing temperature: Decreasing the temperature of the solution will generally decrease the rate at which a solute dissolves. Lower temperatures reduce the kinetic energy of the solvent particles, leading to slower and weaker collisions with the solute particles. As a result, the solute dissolves at a slower rate when the temperature is decreased.
d) Increasing temperature: Increasing the temperature of the solution will generally increase the rate at which a solute dissolves. Higher temperatures provide more kinetic energy to the solvent particles, resulting in faster and stronger collisions with the solute particles. This increased energy helps break down the solute particles and facilitate their dissolution into the solvent.
e) Stirring: Stirring or agitating the solution helps increase the rate at which a solute dissolves. By stirring, you promote the movement of solvent particles, allowing them to come into contact with the solute particles more frequently. This increased collision frequency accelerates the dissolution process.
Therefore, the factors that will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves are: increasing surface area, increasing temperature, and stirring. So, options a, d, and e are the correct choices.