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

• A. 1
• B. 0
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the rate law given: \(\text{rate} = k[\text{a}]^{2}[\text{b}]\).
2. Recall that the reaction order with respect to a is the exponent of the concentration term [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. This means the rate depends on the concentration of a squared, indicating a second-order dependence on a.