Step 1: Understanding first-order reactions.
For a first-order reaction, the rate constant \( k \) remains constant regardless of the concentration of reactants. Hence, when the concentration of A is halved, the rate constant will not change.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) 2.25 s\(^{-1}\): Incorrect — The rate constant does not change for first-order reactions.
(B) 0.075 s\(^{-1}\): Incorrect — The rate constant remains the same.
(C) 0.30 s\(^{-1}\): Incorrect — The rate constant is unchanged.
(D) 0.25 s\(^{-1}\): Correct — The rate constant for a first-order reaction remains constant.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) 0.25 s\(^{-1}\), as the rate constant for a first-order reaction does not change with concentration.