First Order Integrated Rate Law Calculator
Calculate chemical concentration, rate constants, or time elapsed.
Calculation Results:
Understanding First-Order Kinetics
In chemical kinetics, a first-order reaction is a reaction whose rate depends linearly on only one reactant concentration. This calculator utilizes the integrated form of the rate law to predict how the concentration of a reactant changes over time.
The Integrated Rate Law Formula
For a first-order reaction (A → Products), the relationship between concentration and time is expressed by the following equation:
ln([A]t) = -kt + ln([A]₀)
Alternatively, in exponential form:
[A]t = [A]₀e-kt
Variables Explained:
- [A]t: Concentration of the reactant at time t.
- [A]₀: Initial concentration of the reactant at time t = 0.
- k: The rate constant (units are reciprocal time, such as s⁻¹ or min⁻¹).
- t: The time interval that has elapsed.
Example Calculation
Imagine a reactant has an initial concentration of 0.800 M and a rate constant k = 0.05 min⁻¹. To find the concentration after 20 minutes:
- Identify inputs: [A]₀ = 0.800, k = 0.05, t = 20.
- Apply formula: [A]t = 0.800 * e-(0.05 * 20)
- Calculate exponent: -(1.0)
- Solve: 0.800 * 0.3678 = 0.294 M
Half-Life (t1/2)
One unique property of first-order reactions is that the half-life is independent of the starting concentration. It is calculated solely based on the rate constant:
t1/2 = 0.693 / k