Which factor explains why a cube of sugar placed in water will dissolve at a slower rate than granular sugar over time?

Question

a
The cube has a smaller surface area.
b
The particles in the cube have more movement.
c
The mass of the cube decreases.
d
The temperature of the cube decreases.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

a. The cube has a smaller surface area.

A cube of sugar has fewer exposed surfaces compared to granular sugar, which has a larger surface area due to its smaller individual particles. This greater surface area allows granular sugar to dissolve more quickly in water, while the cube dissolves at a slower rate because there is less area for the water to interact with the sugar.