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MP Board · Class 12 · Chemistry · Chemical KineticsExplain the integrated rate equation for a first-order reaction. Derive the expression for the rate constant of a first-order reaction and also discuss the characteristics of first-order reactions along with the concept of half-life period.

Step-by-Step Solution

Definition and Integrated Rate Equation\nA first-order reaction is one in which the rate of the reaction is directly proportional to the first power of the concentration of the reactant. Consider a general first-order reaction: $R \rightarrow P$.

\nThe differential rate law is given by: $$\text{Rate} = -\frac{d[R]}{dt} = k[R]$$ \nRearranging the equation to separate the variables: $$\frac{d[R]}{[R]} = -k \cdot dt$$ \nIntegrating both sides of the equation between the limits $t = 0$ (initial time where concentration is $[R]_0$) and time $t$ (where concentration is $[R]t$): $$\int{[R]_0}^{[R]t} \frac{d[R]}{[R]} = -k \int{0}^{t} dt$$

$$\ln[R]_t - \ln[R]_0 = -kt$$

$$\ln\frac{[R]_t}{[R]_0} = -kt$$ or $$k = \frac{1}{t} \ln\frac{[R]_0}{[R]_t}$$ \nConverting natural logarithm to base 10: $$k = \frac{2.303}{t} \log\frac{[R]_0}{[R]_t}$|

Characteristics of First-Order Reactions

  • Units of Rate Constant: The unit of rate constant ($k$) for a first-order reaction is $\text{time}^{-1}$ (e.g., $\text{s}^{-1}$, $\text{min}^{-1}$).
  • Concentration Dependence: The rate of the reaction depends directly on the concentration of the reactant. If concentration is doubled, the rate also doubles.
  • Linear Graph: A plot of $\log[R]_t$ versus time $t$ gives a straight line with a slope equal to $-\frac{k}{2.303}$ and an intercept equal to $\log[R]_0$.

Half-Life Period ($t_{1/2}$)\nThe half-life of a reaction is the time in which the concentration of the reactant is reduced to one half of its initial concentration. At $t = t_{1/2}$, $[R]_t = \frac{[R]_0}{2}$. Substituting these values into the integrated rate equation:

$$k = \frac{2.303}{t_{1/2}} \log\frac{[R]_0}{[R]_0 / 2}$$

$$k = \frac{2.303}{t_{1/2}} \log 2$$ \nSince $\log 2 = 0.3010$: $$k = \frac{2.303 \times 0.3010}{t_{1/2}} = \frac{0.693}{t_{1/2}}$$ \nTherefore, the half-life of a first-order reaction is independent of the initial concentration of the reactant.

💡 Study Guide: This question tests core syllabus concepts from Chemical Kinetics. For formulas, key summaries, and mock exam reference guides, read the full Chemical Kinetics Revision Notes.
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