Which factor causes a decrease in the rate of dissolution? decreasing the amount of solute. increasing the stirring of the solution. decreasing the surface area of the solute. increasing the temperature of the solvent.

I think the correct answer from the choices listed above is the third option. The factor that would cause a decrease in the rate of dissolution of a solute would be decreasing the surface area of the solute. Surface area of the solute is known to be directly proportional to the rate of dissolution. Hope this answers the question.