Final answer:
Rate laws are determined experimentally by measuring initial reaction rates at various reactant concentrations and comparing the data to derive the rate law constants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rate laws are determined experimentally using data gathered from reaction rate measurements. To deduce a reaction's rate law, one method commonly used is the method of initial rates, which involves comparing initial reaction rates at varying reactant concentrations. From such comparisons, the reaction orders and rate constant can be obtained, providing the necessary components to construct the rate law equation for a given chemical reaction. This process entails reviewing changes in initial rates alongside changes in reactant concentrations, which helps identify whether the reaction follows zeroth-, first-, or second-order kinetics. Once the rate law is established via this experimental approach, the specific rate constant (k) can be calculated by inputting the data obtained from any experiment conducted.