Question

which factor causes a decrease in the rate of dissolution?
decreasing the amount of solute
increasing the stirring of the solution
increasing the surface area of the solute
decreasing the surface area of the solute
increasing the temperature of the solvent

Explanation:

The rate of dissolution is affected by several factors. Stirring increases the rate as it brings fresh solvent to the solute - solvent interface. Increasing surface area of the solute also speeds up dissolution as more solute is exposed to the solvent. Increasing temperature of the solvent provides more kinetic energy for the dissolution process. Decreasing the amount of solute doesn't directly affect the rate of dissolution but the time to reach saturation. Decreasing the surface area of the solute reduces the contact between solute and solvent, thus decreasing the rate of dissolution.

Answer:

decreasing the surface area of the solute