# A student investigates the effect of surface area on the rate of reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid. In one experiment, a large single piece of zinc is used. In a second experiment, the same mass of zinc is used but cut into many small pieces. Explain why the reaction with small pieces of zinc is faster than the reaction with the large single piece.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C6 Rate and extent of chemical change · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Small pieces of zinc have a greater (total) surface area than the large single piece
2. More reactant particles (zinc/acid) are exposed / available for collisions at the surface
3. There are more (successful) collisions between reacting particles per unit time / more frequent collisions
4. Therefore the rate of reaction increases / reaction happens faster

## Key terms

- [surface area](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/surface-area)
- [rate of reaction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/rate-of-reaction)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-investigates-the-effect-of-c9c5d771) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.