For an unknown chemical reaction, experimental kinetic data shows that its half-life is directly pro — Chemical Kinetics Chemistry Question
Question
For an unknown chemical reaction, experimental kinetic data shows that its half-life $t_{1/2}$ is directly proportional to $a^{-2}$, where $a$ represents the initial molar concentration of the single reactant. The overall kinetic order of this reaction is universally:
Answer: D
💡 Solution & Explanation
The general relation between half-life and initial concentration for an $n^{\text{th}}$ order reaction is $t_{1/2} \propto a^{1-n}$. We are given $t_{1/2} \propto a^{-2}$. By directly equating the exponents, $1 - n = -2 \Rightarrow n = 3$. Therefore, it is a third-order reaction.
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