1/4th Life expression for First Order Rxn

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the 1/4th life expression for a first-order reaction using the equation ln([A]₀/[A]ₜ) = kt. Participants clarify that the "1/4" in t₁/₄ represents the fraction of reactant remaining, not a time value. The correct expression for t₁/₄ is derived as t₁/₄ = ln(4)/k, which simplifies to approximately 1.386/k. Misinterpretations regarding the use of "1/4" as a time variable were addressed, emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying variables in chemical kinetics.

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[V]
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I must derive the 1/4th life expression for a first order rxn.
ln(\frac{[A]_{\circ}}{[A]_{t}})=kt
ln(\frac{[A]\circ}{\frac{1}{4}[A]_{\circ}})=kt_\frac{1}{4}
ln(4)=kt_{\frac{1}{4}}
do I set t=1/4 ?
\frac{ln(4)*4}{k}
\frac{5.545}{k}

What am I doing wrong here? The answer is allegedly 1.386/k

However, this answer key has been wrong before. Can someone please confirm/deny this?

Thank you
 
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You are asked to calculate t_{\frac 1 4}[/tex] as a function of k, you can&#039;t assume t=0.25 and put it into equation. You need answer in form t=some expression, where is t in your final answer?<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="[V];2971106" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> [V];2971106 said: </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> ln(4)=kt_{\frac{1}{4}} </div> </div> </blockquote><br /> Up to here you were right, just solve for t_{\frac 1 4}[/tex].
 
hi [V]! :smile:
[V];2971106 said:
do I set t=1/4 ?

nooo, 1/4 isn't time, it's amount (of reactant used) …

the "1/4" in t1/4 is only a label, to remind you that it corresponds to 1/4 of the reactant being used :wink:

you're correct up to ln(4) = kt1/4,

now just say t1/4 = … ? :smile:
 

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