Final answer:
The rate law for the reaction CH4 + 2O2 —> 2H2O + CO2 is rate = k[CH4][O2], where k is the rate constant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate law for the reaction CH4 + 2O2 —> 2H2O + CO2 can be determined by performing rate experiments. The rate law provides information on the relationship between the rate of a chemical reaction and the concentrations of the reactants.
In this case, the rate law can be expressed as rate = k[CH4][O2] where k is the rate constant. This equation shows that the rate is directly proportional to the concentrations of CH4 and O2.
It's important to note that the coefficients in the balanced equation are not necessarily the same as the exponents in the rate law equation. The rate law must be determined experimentally.