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Zero Order Half-life

Mediumchemistry

For a zero order reaction with initial concentration 0.10 M and rate constant 0.005 mol L^-1 s^-1, what is the half-life of the reaction?

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About This Question

Subject
chemistry
Chapter
chemical kinetics
Topic
zero order half-life
Difficulty
Medium
Year
2025
Tags
zero order half-lifeintegrated rate lawinitial concentrationrate constanthalf-life formula

Solution

Correct Answer:

10 s

For a zero order reaction the integrated rate law is [A] = [A_0] - kt, and the half-life is the time taken for the concentration to fall to half its initial value. Setting [A] = [A_0]/2 gives [A_0]/2 = [A_0] - k t_(1/2), which rearranges to t_(1/2) = [A_0]/(2k). Substituting [A_0] = 0.10 M and k = 0.005 mol L^-1 s^-1 yields t_(1/2) = 0.10/(2 × 0.005) = 0.10/0.010 = 10 s. Notably, unlike first order reactions, the zero order half-life depends directly on the initial concentration. Option 5 s omits the factor of two in the denominator incorrectly. Option 20 s doubles the correct value. Option 40 s misuses the rate constant. This concentration-dependent half-life is a distinguishing NCERT feature of zero order kinetics. Carefully relating the data to the governing principle ensures the reasoning remains valid even when the numbers or species in the question are changed. Examiners frequently test whether a student can connect integrated rate law with the underlying principle rather than merely recalling an isolated fact. Plausibility check: a constant consumption rate of 0.005 mol L^-1 s^-1 removes 0.05 M in 10 s, exactly half of 0.10 M, confirming the half-life.

This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter chemical kinetics, covering the topic of zero order half-life. It appeared in the 2025 exam.

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