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Rate laws of reactions

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 8:16 am
by Dhamnekar Winod
Iron powder rusts at a much faster rate than an iron nail.

Is this statement true?
If yes, what is your explanation?
If no, what is your explanation?

Re: Rate laws of reactions

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:16 am
by ChenBeier
Its true. But what explanation do you have? Its not homework forum.

Re: Rate laws of reactions

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 9:48 am
by Dhamnekar Winod
Author of my chemistry notes explains as follows:

Rusting is a heterogeneous process. Iron powder has a greater surface area than a iron nail of a same mass. Therefore , agents responsible for rusting may attack more iron sites at the same time on the iron powder sample.

Re: Rate laws of reactions

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 1:42 pm
by ChenBeier
Yes that is the explanation. Surface powder >>>>> surface nail