# A student reacts zinc powder with dilute sulfuric acid. A second student carries out the same reaction using large zinc granules instead of zinc powder, keeping all other conditions identical. Explain why the reaction using zinc powder produces a faster rate of reaction than the reaction using large zinc granules.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 3.2 Rates of reaction · Explain · 4 marks

> Zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid to produce zinc sulfate solution and hydrogen gas.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Zinc powder has a greater/larger surface area than zinc granules
2. More reacting particles are exposed at the surface
3. This leads to more frequent collisions between zinc particles and acid particles
4. There are more frequent successful collisions, so the rate of reaction increases

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-reacts-zinc-powder-with-6ea1705a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.