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the decomposition of HCO2H follows first order kinetics. The half life for the r

ID: 963800 • Letter: T

Question

the decomposition of HCO2H follows first order kinetics. The half life for the reaction at a certain temperature is 34 seconds. How many seconds are needed for the formic acid concentration to decrease by 37% the decomposition of HCO2H follows first order kinetics. The half life for the reaction at a certain temperature is 34 seconds. How many seconds are needed for the formic acid concentration to decrease by 37% the decomposition of HCO2H follows first order kinetics. The half life for the reaction at a certain temperature is 34 seconds. How many seconds are needed for the formic acid concentration to decrease by 37%

Explanation / Answer

find the rate constant using first order kinitics

k = 0.693 / t1/2

k = 0.693 / 34 = 0.0204 s-1

now use the first order rate equation

k = (2.303/t) log(a / a-x)

a = intial concentration 100%

a-x = 100-37 = 63% remains

0.0204 = (2.303 / t) log(100/67)

t = 2.303 x 0.174 / 0.0204

t = 19.63 s