An effervescent tablet dissolves much more rapidly in a glass of water if it is broken into pieces than if the entire tablet is placed into the glass. What is the best explanation for this observation?

A. The surface area of the tablet increases when it is broken into pieces. Therefore, the reaction rate increases.
B. Breaking the tablet into pieces raises the temperature of the reaction. Therefore, the reaction rate increases.
C. The concentration of the tablet increases when it is broken into pieces. Therefore, the reaction rate increases.
D. A catalyst is added to the wate

Question

An effervescent tablet dissolves much more rapidly in a glass of water if it is broken into pieces than if the entire tablet is placed into the glass. What is the best explanation for this observation?

 		A.	The surface area of the tablet increases when it is broken into pieces. Therefore, the reaction rate increases.
 		B.	Breaking the tablet into pieces raises the temperature of the reaction. Therefore, the reaction rate increases.
 		C.	The concentration of the tablet increases when it is broken into pieces. Therefore, the reaction rate increases.
 		D.	A catalyst is added to the wate

vera_ewing · Answer

I think it's either C or D.

joannablackwelder · Answer

Hm, this one is worded a bit strangely. The tablet would have a larger surface area once it is broken which would enable it to dissolve faster.

joannablackwelder · Answer

But that is not a reaction, just dissolving.

joannablackwelder · Answer

There is no mention of a catalyst, so D is out.

joannablackwelder · Answer

And the concentration doesn't increase when the tablet it broken. It is the same concentration. So C is out.

joannablackwelder · Answer

I think what they are looking for is A, but it is honestly not a very good question.

vera_ewing · Answer

Okay, thanks for explaining that.

joannablackwelder · Answer

You're welcome :-)