The reaction CO₂(aq) + OH^-(aq) --> CO₃^2-(aq) + H₂O(l) proceeds through the following mechanism:

CO₂(aq) + OH^-(aq) --> HCO₃^-(aq) HCO₃^-(aq) + OH^-(aq) --> CO₃^2-(aq) + H₂O(l)

(a) The first step of this mechanism is rate-determining (slow). What is the rate law for this reaction?

Rate = k [CO₂] [OH^-]Rate = k [CO₂]² [OH^-] Rate = k [CO₂] [OH^-]²Rate = k [CO₂]^1/2 [OH^-]Rate = k [CO₂] [OH^-]^1/2Rate = k [CO₂]²Rate = k [CO₂]² [OH^-]^1/2

(b) What would the rate law be if the second step of this mechanism were rate-determining?

Rate = k [CO₂] [OH^-]Rate = k [CO₂]² [OH^-] Rate = k [CO₂] [OH^-]²Rate = k [CO₂]^1/2 [OH^-]Rate = k [CO₂] [OH^-]^1/2Rate = k [CO₂]²Rate = k [CO₂]² [OH^-]^1/2Rate = k [CO₂]