For the reaction

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · AP · Chemistry · Kinetics · Kinetics

Problem

For the reaction

A + B \to \text{products}

, the experimental rate law is

\text{rate} = k[A]^2[B]

. A chemist suggests the following mechanism: Step 1 (slow):

A + A \to D

Step 2 (fast):

D + B \to \text{products}

In one sentence, explain whether this mechanism is consistent with the experimental rate law and justify your answer.