Final answer:
The rate constant for the first-order reaction of cyclopropane to propene at 550 °C is 4.1 x 10³ s¹, as indicated by the slope of the ln[cyclopropane] versus time plot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate constant for the reaction is given by the slope of the plot of ln[cyclopropane] versus time. In this case, the slope is -4.1 x 10³ s⁻¹. The rate constant can be calculated by dividing the slope by the temperature:
rate constant = -4.1 x 10³ s⁻¹ / 550 K
After performing the calculation, the rate constant is found to be approximately 7.45 x 10⁻³ s⁻¹. Therefore, the correct answer is B) 8.2 x 10⁻³ s⁻¹.