# Explain why breaking a large lump of a solid reactant into smaller pieces increases the rate of a chemical reaction.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 6.2 Rate of reaction · Explain · 4 marks

> When a solid reactant is used in a chemical reaction, the size of the pieces can affect how quickly the reaction proceeds.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Breaking into smaller pieces increases the surface area (of the solid / exposed to the other reactant)
2. More particles of the solid are exposed / available to collide with particles of the other reactant
3. There is a greater frequency of (successful) collisions between reactant particles
4. Therefore the rate of reaction increases

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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