For the reaction with the rate law: rate = k[a]^2[b], what is the reaction order 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 reaction order with respect to a is the exponent of the concentration of a in the rate law.
3. Look at the exponent of \([a]\) in the rate law, which is 2.
4. Therefore, the reaction order with respect to a is 2.
5. Note that the overall reaction order would be the sum of all exponents, but here we focus only on the order with respect to a.