The rate law for the reaction A + B → C is:
A) v = k [C]
B) To be determined experimentally
C) v = k [A] [B] / [C]
D) v = k [C] / ([A] [B])
E) v = k [A] [B]
IMAT 2026 · Question 35
Q35 - Kinetics and catalysis
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The correct answer is B) To be determined experimentally.
The coefficients of an overall equation do not tell you the reaction orders. Most reactions happen in several steps (the mechanism), and the rate depends on the slowest one. That is why the rate law must be found by experiment, measuring how the rate changes when you change each concentration.
A) Incorrect: The rate depends on the reactants, not on the product C.
B) Correct: Reaction orders must be determined experimentally.
C) Incorrect: Products do not appear like this in a rate law.
D) Incorrect: [C]/([A][B]) is the form of the equilibrium constant, not of a rate law.
E) Incorrect: v = k[A][B] would only be correct if the reaction were a single elementary step, which we cannot assume.
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