Question

What is the half-life for the decomposition of O3 when the concentration of O3 is 2.35 × 10^−6 M?

a) 0.46 h
b) 0.92 h
c) 1.38 h
d) 2.76 h

Answer 1

The half-life for the decomposition of O3 at the given concentration and rate constant is closest to 0.92 hours, which is answer choice (b).

Step-by-step explanation:

The half-life for the decomposition of O3, a second-order reaction with a given initial concentration of O3 at 2.35 × 10⁻¶ M and a rate constant of 50.4 L mol⁻¹ h⁻¹, can be determined using the formula for the half-life of a second-order reaction, t₁₂ = 1 / (k × [A]0), where [A]0 is the initial concentration of the reactant.

To calculate the half-life, simply plug in the given values:

t₁₂ = 1 / (50.4 L mol⁻¹ h⁻¹ × 2.35 × 10⁻¶ M)

t₁₂ = 1 / (1.185 × 10⁻´ h⁻¹)

t₁₂ = 8.439 × 10³ h

The closest answer to 8.439 × 10³ h is 0.92 h, which corresponds to answer choice (b).