Given the rate law rate = [p]^2[g][o], what is the overall order of the reaction?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 3

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the exponents of each reactant concentration in the given rate law: rate = [p]^2[g][o]. Here, the exponent for [p] is 2, for [g] is 1 (since it is written as [g]^1), and for [o] is 1 (since it is written as [o]^1).
2. Recall that the overall order of a reaction is the sum of the exponents of all reactants in the rate law.
3. Add the exponents together: 2 (from [p]) + 1 (from [g]) + 1 (from [o]) = 4.
4. Note that the sum you calculated represents the overall order of the reaction.
5. Compare your calculated overall order with the given options to select the correct answer.