Chapter 14.3, Problem 2PE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The half-life of decomposition of $N_2{O}_5$ has to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Order of a reaction:  The sum of exponents of the concentrations in the rate law for the reaction is said to be order of a reaction.

Half-life is the time required for one half of a reactant to react.

For first order reaction $-kt=\ln \left(\frac{\left[A\right]}{\left[A_0\right]}\right)$

$\left[A\right]$ is the concentration of reactant A at time t ${\left[A\right]}_0$ is the  initial concentration of reactant, k is the rate constant.

$t_{\frac{1}{2}}=\frac{\ln \left(2\right)}{k}$

Half-life for a first order reaction is,$t_{\frac{1}{2}}=\frac{0.693}{k}$