What would happen with the lab IF rather than powder NaHCO3 we used a whole alka seltzer tablet? Remember it would have the same chemical make up, but have a smaller surface area.

Question

A. The rate of the reaction would speed up
B. The rate of the reaction would slow down

Answer 1

B. The rate of the reaction would slow down.

When the whole Alka Seltzer tablet is used instead of powder NaHCO3, the rate of the reaction would slow down because the larger surface area of the tablet would inhibit the reaction compared to the finely powdered NaHCO3. The smaller surface area of the tablet would limit the contact between the reactants, reducing the rate at which the reaction occurs.