How does crushing a cube of solute increase the rate of dissolving in a solvent?

• A. It increases the surface area of the solute, allowing more solvent particles to interact with it.
• B. It decreases the temperature of the solution, making the solute dissolve faster.
• C. It changes the chemical identity of the solute, making it more soluble.
• D. It increases the pressure on the solute, forcing it to dissolve more quickly.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the rate of dissolving depends on how quickly solvent particles can interact with the solute's surface.
2. Recognize that crushing a cube of solute breaks it into smaller pieces, which increases the total surface area exposed to the solvent.
3. Recall that a larger surface area allows more solvent particles to come into contact with the solute simultaneously, speeding up the dissolving process.
4. Note that crushing does not change the chemical identity of the solute or the temperature of the solution, so those factors do not explain the increased rate.
5. Conclude that the key reason crushing increases the rate of dissolving is the increase in surface area, enhancing solvent-solute interactions.