Given the balanced equation representing a reaction:
Fe(s) + 2HCI(aq) ---> FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
This reaction occurs more quickly when powdered iron is used instead of a single piece of iron of the Same mass because the powdered iron

1. acts as a better catalyst than the single piece of iron
2. absorbs less energy than the single piece of iron
3. has a greater surface area than the single piece of iron
4. is more metallic than the single piece of iron

Any help is appreciated.

Increasing the surface area of the iron will allow the HCI to react more quickly with the iron atoms.. Hence the correct answer is 3.