Chapter 11, Problem 11.38PAE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Explain why wheat dust dispersed in the air in a grain elevator can react explosively if sparked, but whole wheat grains do not

Concept Introduction: The rate of a chemical reaction can be raised by increasing the surface area of a solid reactant. This is done by partitioning the substance into small pieces, or by grinding it into powder. If the surface area of a reactant is increased, more particles are exposed to the other reactant.