Question

Why does magnesium powder reacts more faster than magnesium ribbon with dilute sulphuric acid?

Answer 1

we know that, rate of a reaction is directly proportional to the surface area. so in magnesium powder there is large surface area as compared to the magnesium ribbon. therefore magnesium powder reacts rapidly and more.

Answer 2

The following properties affect the rate of a reaction.

1) The surface area of the reacting solid - The larger the surface area the faster the reaction.

2) The presence or absence of a catalyst - Catalysts speed up the rate of reaction.

3) The concentration of the reactants - The higher the concentration the faster  the reaction.

4) temperature - The higher the temperature the faster the reaction.

The answer is thus:

The magnesium powder has a larger surface area of reaction that the magnesium ribbon hence the reaction is faster with the magnesium powder.