Question

Which of the following will increase the rate at which a solute dissolves? (Select all that apply.)

a
decreasing temperature
b
increasing temperature
c
stirring
d
decreasing surface area
e
increasing surface area

Answer 1

To increase the rate at which a solute dissolves, the following options apply:

- **b) increasing temperature**: Higher temperatures typically increase the kinetic energy of the molecules, helping the solute to dissolve more quickly.

- **c) stirring**: Stirring helps to distribute the solute throughout the solvent, allowing it to interact more with the solvent particles and dissolve faster.

- **e) increasing surface area**: Increasing the surface area of the solute (for example, by grinding it into smaller pieces) allows more solute to come into contact with the solvent, facilitating a quicker dissolution.

The correct options to select are: **b, c, and e**.

Options **a (decreasing temperature)** and **d (decreasing surface area)** would not increase the rate of dissolution.