For cooking with the use of firewood why is the wood is split in slender piece.?

Question

And why are the pieces of wood ranged loosely in the stove

Answer 1

It allows you more heat control with your stove.

Answer 2

Taking 1 very large piece of wood--splitting it into 6 smaller pieces--you have more surface area to burn and give off heat.  The fire is therefore hotter--better for cooking--and don't have to wait as long for your heat.  It takes a very large piece a long time to burn--better for keeping a fire going all night (smoltering)  They are arranged loosly to allow air to get into the pieces--to allow better burning--a hotter fire.

Answer 3

It burns better.