Question

which of the following would most likely increase the rate of gasoline burning? c₈h₁₈ + o₂ → co₂ + h₂o
decreasing the temperature
mixing gasoline and oxygen
making the reactants solids
decreasing the concentration of oxygen in the air

Explanation:

Step1: Recall reaction - rate factors

Reaction rate of a combustion reaction like gasoline burning depends on temperature, concentration of reactants, and physical state of reactants.

Step2: Analyze temperature effect

Decreasing temperature slows down reaction rate as it reduces kinetic energy of molecules. So, decreasing temperature is incorrect.

Step3: Analyze mixing effect

Mixing gasoline and oxygen ensures better contact between reactant molecules, increasing the frequency of effective collisions and thus increasing the reaction rate.

Step4: Analyze physical - state effect

Making reactants solids reduces surface - area to volume ratio and decreases the reaction rate as reaction occurs at the surface of solids.

Step5: Analyze oxygen - concentration effect

Decreasing oxygen concentration reduces the number of oxygen molecules available for reaction, decreasing the reaction rate.

Answer:

Mixing gasoline and oxygen