Effect of Surface Area

Definition:

• The surface area of a substance refers to the total area of its exposed surfaces.

Importance:

• The surface area plays a significant role in chemical reactions and processes.

Increased Surface Area:

• When a substance is divided into smaller pieces or crushed into a powder, its surface area increases.

Effect on Reaction Rate:

• Faster Reactions: Increasing the surface area generally speeds up chemical reactions.
  • More exposed particles allow for more frequent collisions.
  • Example: Alka-Seltzer tablets dissolve faster when crushed into powder.
• Efficiency: Smaller particles expose more reactants to other reactants, making reactions more efficient.

Applications:

• Grinding coffee beans for faster brewing.
• Using powdered chemicals in laboratories.
• Fine particles in air fresheners for rapid scent dispersion.