# Explain how increasing the surface area of a solid reactant increases the rate of reaction.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.6.1 Rate of reaction · Explain · 4 marks

> Marble chips (calcium carbonate) react with hydrochloric acid. A student crushes the marble chips into a fine powder before adding them to the acid.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Increasing surface area means more (reacting) particles are exposed / available to collide
2. There is a greater frequency of collisions (between reacting particles)
3. There are more frequent successful collisions
4. Therefore the rate of reaction increases

## 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 AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](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/explain-how-increasing-the-surface-area-09d613e6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.