For a zero-order reaction , the experimental initial rate is measured as when the concentration of i — Chemical Kinetics Chemistry Question
Question
For a zero-order reaction $A \rightarrow \text{Products}$, the experimental initial rate is measured as $1.2 \times 10^{-3} \text{ M s}^{-1}$ when the concentration of $A$ is $0.1 \text{ M}$. If the experiment is repeated with an initial concentration of $0.5 \text{ M}$, what is the specific rate constant $k$ in $\text{M s}^{-1}$? Express your answer as $Y \times 10^{-3}$ and provide the value of $Y$.
💡 Solution & Explanation
For a zero-order reaction, Rate $= k[A]^0 = k$. Therefore, the rate is entirely independent of the concentration of the reactant. Since the initial rate is given as $1.2 \times 10^{-3} \text{ M s}^{-1}$, the rate constant $k$ is identically $1.2 \times 10^{-3} \text{ M s}^{-1}$ regardless of the initial concentration. Thus, $Y = 1.2$.