In the context of catalysis, the rate law is a mathematical expression that describes the relationship between the reaction rate and the concentrations of reactants. It also incorporates the role of the catalyst in altering the reaction kinetics. The rate law is often written as:
Rate = k [A]^m [B]^n
where k is the rate constant, [A] and [B] are the concentrations of the reactants, and m and n are the reaction orders with respect to each reactant. The presence of a catalyst can change the rate constant k without being consumed in the reaction.
