Why does reducing solute particle size increasethe speed at which the solute dissolves in water?

Reducing solute particle size increases the surface area of the particles.

Water molecules bond to particles of the solute when the solute dissolves in water. This process releases energy and help to break the solute apart. However, water molecules attack the solute only if the two are in contact, which happens only at the outer surface of the solute.

Smaller particle size means greater surface area. Reducing the particle size of the solute would expose more of the particles to water. Doing so promotes the contact between water molecules and the solute. More interactions would happen at the same time. It would take less time to dissolve the same amount of solute with smaller particle sizes.

when 25.0 ml of 0.700 mol/l naoh was mixed in a calorimeter with 25.0 ml of 0.700 mol/l hcl, both initially at 20.0 °c, the temperature increased to 22.1 °c. the heat capacity of the calorimeter is 279 j/°c.

the equation for the reaction is:

naoh + hcl → nacl + h₂o

moles of hcl = 0.0250 l hcl ×

0.700

mol hcl

1 l hcl = 0.0175 mol hcl

volume of solution = (25.0 + 25.0) ml = 50.0 ml

mass of solution = 50.0 ml soln ×

1.00

ml soln

= 50.0 g soln

δt=t2-t1

= (22.1 – 20.0) °c = 2.1 °c

the heats involved are

heat from neutralization + heat to warm solution + heat to warm calorimeter = 0

q1+q2+q3=0

nδh+mcδt+cδt=0

0.0175 mol ×

δh

+ 50.0 g × 4.184 j·g⁻¹°c⁻¹ × 2.1 °c + 279 j°c⁻¹ × 2.1 °c = 0

0.0175 mol ×

δh

+ 439.32 j + 585.9 j = 0

0.0175 mol ×

δh

= -1025.22 j

δh=1025.22j0.0175 mol= -58 600 j/mol = -58.6 kj/mol