Final answer:
When plotting concentration against time to determine the order of a chemical reaction, a zero-order plot will result in a linear relationship, aligning with the equation y=mx+b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to chemical kinetics, specifically how the concentration of reactants in a chemical reaction changes over time. A plot that results in a linear relationship when the concentration is plotted against time can be used to determine the order of the reaction. Based on the options provided and the references to integrated rate laws:
- A second-order plot will not result in a linear plot of reactant concentration versus time, but a plot of 1/(reactant concentration) versus time will be linear.
- A zero-order plot shows that concentration versus time is linear, fitting the straight line equation y=mx+b.
- In a first-order plot, the natural logarithm of reactant concentration versus time results in a linear plot, not the concentration itself versus time.
- A third-order plot is not mentioned as resulting in a linear plot for either reactant concentration or its transforms versus time.
Therefore, the correct answer is b. A zero-order plot will result in a linear plot when concentration is plotted against time.