Which of the following is an example of increasing the surface area of solid reactants?

Increasing the surface area of solid reactants is crucial in chemical reactions because it allows for more collisions between reactant particles, leading to an increased reaction rate. When a solid is in powdered form, its particles are much smaller compared to a larger piece of solid. This means that there is a greater total surface area exposed to the other reactants, enhancing the likelihood of effective collisions and thus accelerating the reaction.

For example, in a reaction involving a solid and a liquid reactant, using a powdered solid can lead to faster dissolution or reaction compared to using a large lump of the same solid. The increased surface area facilitates more contact with the liquid, which is essential for the interaction needed for the reaction to occur effectively.