Which of the following would increase the rate of reaction of chips of a metal M as shown in the equation below? M(s) + 2HCI(aq) → MCI2(aq) + H2(g)

Answer Details

Grinding the metal into powder would increase the rate of reaction of chips of a metal M in the given equation. The rate of reaction depends on the surface area of the reactants in contact with each other. When the metal is in the form of chips, the surface area in contact with the hydrochloric acid is relatively small, and the rate of reaction is slow. However, by grinding the metal into powder, the surface area of the metal in contact with the acid increases significantly, allowing more metal to react at a faster rate. Therefore, grinding the metal into powder increases the rate of reaction. The other options would not increase the rate of reaction of chips of a metal M in the given equation. Diluting the hydrochloric acid or adding distilled water would decrease the concentration of the acid, which would slow down the reaction rate. Decreasing the temperature would decrease the kinetic energy of the molecules, leading to a slower rate of reaction. Increasing the pressure would not have a significant effect on the rate of the reaction in this case.