Question

Explain collision theory and discuss how it can be used to explain why powdered sugar will dissolve in water faster than a cube of sugar.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Collision theory helps in determining the rate of a reaction as it states that for a reaction to occur it is necessary that there will be number of collisions between reactant molecules.

Therefore, when powdered sugar is placed into water then due to more surface area there will be more number of collisions between sugar and water molecules. As a result, sugar will readily dissolve in water.

On the other hand, surface area of cube will be less as compared to powdered sugar. Hence, there will be less number of collision and cube will take time to dissolve in water.