Decoding Chemical Kinetics Through Graphs
Graphs are the language of chemical kinetics. They visually tell us how a reaction proceeds over time and how different variables interact. In this problem, we are given five different graphs and asked to identify the order of the reaction they represent. Let's break them down one by one.
The Zero-Order Signatures
Graph A plots Rate versus Time as a horizontal line. What does this mean physically? It means the rate is completely independent of time. The equation governing this is Rate=k[A]0=k. This constant rate is the hallmark of a zero-order reaction.
Graph B plots Half-life (t1/2) versus Initial Concentration ([A]0). It's a straight line passing through the origin. The formula for the half-life of a zero-order reaction is t1/2=2k[A]0. This perfectly matches the linear relationship y=mx where the slope is 2k1. Thus, this is also a zero-order reaction.
Graph D plots Concentration versus Time as a straight line with a negative slope. The integrated rate law for a zero-order reaction is [A]=[A]0−kt. This is a linear equation of the form y=−mx+c, matching Graph D perfectly. So, this is our third zero-order reaction.
The First-Order Signatures
Graph C plots Concentration versus Time as an exponential decay curve. The integrated rate law for a first-order reaction is [A]=[A]0e−kt. This exponential relationship is exactly what Graph C depicts, making it a first-order reaction.
Graph E plots Rate versus Concentration as a straight line passing through the origin. For a first-order reaction, the rate law is Rate=k[A]1. This is a linear relationship y=mx with a slope of k. Therefore, this represents a first-order reaction.
Finding the Right Option
Based on our comprehensive analysis:
- Graphs (A), (B), and (D) represent zero-order reactions.
- Graphs (C) and (E) represent first-order reactions.
Looking at the provided options, option (b) states that (A) and (B) are zero order, and (E) is first order. This is a completely correct statement and matches our findings perfectly.