Step 1: Integrated Rate Equation:
For a first-order reaction $R \rightarrow P$, the rate law is:
\[ \ln[R] = \ln[R]_0 - kt \]
Rearranging terms:
\[ \ln[R]_0 - \ln[R] = kt \]
\[ \ln \frac{[R]_0}{[R]} = kt \]
Step 2: Linear Plot Analysis:
This equation is of the form $y = mx$, where:
$y = \ln \frac{[R]_0}{[R]}$
$x = t$ (time)
$m = k$ (slope)
The graph of $\ln \frac{[R]_0}{[R]}$ versus $t$ is a straight line passing through the origin with slope equal to the rate constant $k$.
Step 3: Conclusion:
The problem states the slope is 'x'.
Therefore, Rate constant $k = x$.