Chapter 14, Problem 14.45QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The validation of the fact that the half-life of a second-order reaction has the same units as that of half life of a first-order reaction is to be stated.

Concept introduction: The half-life of a reaction is the time taken by the reactant to decrease its concentration to one-half of its initial concentration. The half-life of a first-order reaction is given by the expression,

${\text{t}}_{1/2}=\frac{0.693}{k}$

The half-life of a second-order reaction is given by the expression,

${\text{t}}_{1/2}=\frac{1}{k{\left[\text{A}\right]}_{\text{ο}}}$

To determine: If the half-life of a second-order reaction has the same units as that of half life of a first-order reaction or not.