The First-Order Reaction Calculator is a powerful tool used to determine the half-life of a first-order reaction. But what exactly is a first-order reaction? It’s a chemical reaction that proceeds at a rate directly proportional to the concentration of the reactant.
Formula of First-Order Reaction Calculator
For a first-order reaction, the half-life (T½) can be calculated using the following formula:
T½ = 0.693 / k
Where:
- T½: The half-life.
- 0.693: An approximation of 1/ln(2).
- k: The rate constant for the reaction.
This simple formula can be a game-changer when studying chemical reactions, allowing researchers to make precise predictions about the rate at which a reaction occurs.
Calculator for General Terms
| Term | Unit |
|---|---|
| Half-Life (T½) | seconds (s) |
| Rate Constant (k) | seconds⁻¹ |
This table serves as a valuable resource, saving time and effort when performing calculations.
Example of First-Order Reaction Calculator
Let’s walk through a practical example to illustrate how to use the First-Order Reaction Calculator.
Example: Suppose you have a first-order reaction with a rate constant (k) of 0.05 seconds⁻¹. You want to find the half-life (T½) of this reaction.
- Input the value of the rate constant (k) into the calculator: 0.05 seconds⁻¹.
- Apply the formula: T½ = 0.693 / 0.05 ≈ 13.86 seconds.
In this example, the half-life of the first-order reaction is approximately 13.86 seconds.
Most Common FAQs
A first-order reaction is a chemical reaction where the rate of reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of the reactant.
To calculate the half-life of a first-order reaction, use the formula: T½ = 0.693 / k, where T½ is the half-life and k is the rate constant.
The value 0.693 is an approximation of 1/ln(2), which arises from the mathematics of exponential decay.