The rate of dissolution of a solute depends on—

The correct option is surface area.

Understanding the Rate of Dissolution:

The rate of dissolution refers to how quickly a solute dissolves in a solvent to form a solution.

Why Surface Area Affects Dissolution:

Dissolution occurs at the surface where solute particles interact with solvent particles. When the surface area of the solute increases (for example, by breaking a solid solute into smaller pieces or powder), more solute particles are exposed to the solvent at the same time. This leads to a greater frequency of collisions between the solute and solvent particles, thereby increasing the rate of dissolution.