Which reaction will most likely proceed faster under identical conditions?

• A. A reaction between zinc granules and hydrochloric acid
• B. A reaction between a zinc block and hydrochloric acid
• C. A reaction between a zinc strip and hydrochloric acid
• D. A reaction between powdered zinc and hydrochloric acid

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the rate of a chemical reaction depends on factors such as surface area, concentration, temperature, and the nature of the reactants.
2. Recognize that zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas and zinc chloride, and the reaction rate is influenced by the surface area of zinc exposed to the acid.
3. Compare the forms of zinc given: granules, block, strip, and powdered. Powdered zinc has the greatest surface area exposed to the acid, followed by granules, then strip, and finally the block with the least surface area.
4. Recall that a larger surface area allows more zinc atoms to react simultaneously with hydrochloric acid molecules, increasing the reaction rate.
5. Conclude that the reaction between powdered zinc and hydrochloric acid will proceed faster than the other forms under identical conditions due to its higher surface area.