Given the rate law: rate = k[a]^2[b], what is the order of the reaction with respect to a?

• A. 0
• B. 3
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the rate law given: \(\text{rate} = k [a]^2 [b]\).
2. Recall that the order of the reaction with respect to a particular reactant is the exponent of its concentration term in the rate law.
3. Look at the exponent of \([a]\) in the rate law, which is 2.
4. Therefore, the order of the reaction with respect to \(a\) is 2.
5. Note that the overall order of the reaction would be the sum of the exponents, but here we focus only on the order with respect to \(a\).