Marble chips (calcium carbonate) undergo reaction with hydrochloric acid in an exothermic reaction. $\text{calcium carbonate} + \text{hydrochloric acid} \rightarrow \text{calcium chloride} + \text{water} + \text{carbon dioxide}$ If excess marble chips are placed into dilute hydrochloric acid, the reaction begins rapidly, then becomes slower until it comes to a stop. Why does the reaction rate become slower?
- AThe concentration of the hydrochloric acid is decreasing.
- BThe concentration of calcium chloride is increasing.
- CThe calcium carbonate is completely used up.
- DThe temperature of the mixture decreases.