Chapter U5.13, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The faster reaction between burning of wood chips and a tree needs to be determined and the difference in rate of reaction in both cased also to be explained.

Concept introduction: For a reaction to occur, the collision of reactant particles in correct orientation with sufficient energy is required. Rate of a reaction is the speed at which a reaction occurred.

Answer to Problem 5E

Faster reaction is burning of wood chips than burning a tree.

Explanation of Solution

Surface area is one of the factors that affect the rate of chemical reaction. If the surface area of a reactant is increased, it is more exposed to other reactant and hence increases speed of reaction. Wood chips have more surface area than a tree. So, the faster reaction is burning of wood chips. Rate of reaction is more in case of burning of wood chips than burning of wood.

Conclusion

There are many factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction, such as, temperature, concentration, surface area etc.