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

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

d) The cube has a smaller surface area.

A cube of sugar has less surface area exposed to the water compared to granular sugar, which is made up of many smaller particles with a greater total surface area. The larger the surface area of the sugar, the more contact it has with the water, allowing it to dissolve at a faster rate.