In the context of dissolving a solid in a liquid, the factor that does not affect the rate of dissolving is b. surface area of the solvent.
To understand why, let’s explore the other options. Temperature, surface area of the solute, and agitation all play a significant role in increasing the rate at which a solid dissolves:
- Temperature: Increasing the temperature usually increases the kinetic energy of the molecules, leading to more frequent and effective collisions between the solute and solvent particles, thereby enhancing the rate of dissolution.
- Surface Area of the Solute: The greater the surface area of the solute (e.g., by crushing it into smaller pieces), the faster it can dissolve, as more particles are exposed to the solvent.
- Agitation: Stirring or shaking a solution helps to distribute the solute particles throughout the solvent more evenly, promoting quicker dissolution.
Conversely, the surface area of the solvent itself does not influence the dissolving process. While it may affect the overall interaction between the solute and solvent, it is the solute’s characteristics and external factors (like temperature and agitation) that drive the rate of dissolution.