Comparative Analysis of the Relationship between Rate Constant and Half-Life in Zero-, First-, and Second-Order Chemical Reactions
Sr No:
2
Page No:
7-13
Language:
English
Licence:
CC BY-NC 4.0
Authors:
K.S. Pritikkasri and S. Sivamani,*
Published Date:
2026-07-17
Abstract:
The relationship between reaction rate constant and half-life is fundamental to understanding chemical kinetics and predicting reaction behaviour. Although expressions describing half-life for zero-, first-, and second-order reactions are well established, comparative visualization across different reaction orders is seldom presented. This study provides a mathematical comparison of half-life as a function of reaction rate constant and the corresponding inverse relationship for zero-, first-, and second-order reactions. Calculations were performed using standard integrated rate equations assuming identical initial reactant concentration of 1 M. The resulting plots demonstrate that half-life decreases nonlinearly with increasing rate constant for all reaction orders. At any given rate constant, second-order reactions exhibit the longest half-life, followed by first-order and zero-order reactions. Conversely, the rate constant decreases with increasing half-life, producing inverse relationships characteristic of each kinetic order. The results emphasize the distinct kinetic behaviour associated with reaction order and provide a useful graphical framework for interpreting experimental kinetic data. These findings may serve as references for professionals involved in reaction kinetics.
Keywords:
Chemical kinetics, Half-life, Rate constant, Reaction order