Question

Can surface area increase rate of reaction?

Answer 1

Surface area can indeed increase the rate of a reaction. This is because reactions typically occur at the surface of materials, and a higher surface area provides more surface area for the reaction to occur. When a substance is divided into smaller particles or has a higher surface area, there is greater exposure to the reactants, allowing for more frequent collisions and, consequently, a faster rate of reaction. Increasing the surface area can be achieved by grinding or crushing a substance into smaller particles, or by using a catalyst or increasing the number of points of contact between the reactants.