Select the correct relation of half life for a zero order reaction. |
$t_{0.5}=\frac{[R]_0}{2k}$ $t_{0.5}=\frac{2k}{[R]_0}$ $t_{0.5}=\frac{[R]_0}{k}$ $t_{0.5}=\frac{[R]_0}{2}$ |
$t_{0.5}=\frac{[R]_0}{2k}$ |
The correct answer is Option (1) → $t_{0.5}=\frac{[R]_0}{2k}$ Core Concept For a zero order reaction: $Rate = k$ Integrated form: $[R] = [R]_0 - kt$ At half-life: $[R] = \frac{[R]_0}{2}$ Stepwise Derivation $\frac{[R]_0}{2} = [R]_0 - k t_{0.5}$ $k t_{0.5} = [R]_0 - \frac{[R]_0}{2}$ $k t_{0.5} = \frac{[R]_0}{2}$ $t_{0.5} = \frac{[R]_0}{(2k)}$ Explanation of Each Option Option 1 This is correct because in zero order reactions, half-life depends directly on initial concentration. Unlike first order reactions, it is not constant and varies with [R]o. This relation is derived directly from the integrated rate law. Option 2 This is incorrect because it reverses the relationship between concentration and rate constant. In zero order reactions, increasing initial concentration increases half-life, not decreases it as this expression suggests. Option 3 This is incorrect because it ignores the factor of 1/2 that comes from the definition of half-life. Half of the initial concentration is consumed, so the denominator must include 2k. Option 4 This is incorrect because it omits the rate constant entirely. The half-life must depend on both initial concentration and rate constant for zero order reactions. |