Which of the following would be a reasonable unit for the rate constant of a zero order reaction?

• A. L mol^{-1} s^{-1}
• B. mol L^{-1} s^{-1}
• C. s^{-1}
• D. mol^{-1} L s^{-1}

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the general rate law for a zero order reaction: \(\text{rate} = k\), where the rate is independent of the concentration of reactants.
2. Understand that the rate of reaction is typically expressed in units of concentration per time, such as \(\mathrm{mol\,L^{-1}\,s^{-1}}\).
3. Since the rate is equal to the rate constant \(k\) for a zero order reaction, the units of \(k\) must be the same as the units of the rate.
4. Therefore, the units of the rate constant \(k\) for a zero order reaction are \(\mathrm{mol\,L^{-1}\,s^{-1}}\).
5. Compare the given options to these units to identify the reasonable unit for the zero order rate constant.