Hydrochloric acid reacts faster with powdered zinc than with an equal mass of zinc strips because the greater the surface area of the powdered zinc
1. decreases the frequency of particle collisions
2. decreases the activation energy of the reaction
3. increases the frequency of particle collisions
4. increases the activation energy of the reaction

increases the frequency of particle collisions

Explanation:

One factor upon which the rate of reaction depends is the surface area of reactants.

According to the collision theory, reactions occur when reactant particles having the required (activation) energy collide with each other, this collision is inelastic. However, collision of particles having energies less than the activation energy results in elastic collisions and no chemical reaction.

The more the exposed surface area of reactants, the greater the number of particles that come into contact with each other and the more the chances of frequent effective collisions that lead to reaction.

Thus, powdered zinc reacts faster with hydrochloric acid than zinc strips

1. they vary with a higher number because boiling is way hotter than melting