Calculate the overall order of a reaction which has the rate expression:
$(a)$ $\text{Rate} = k[A]^{1/2}[B]^{3/2}$
$(b)$ $\text{Rate} = k[A]^{3/2}[B]^{-1}$

(N/A) The overall order of a reaction is the sum of the powers of the concentration terms in the rate law expression.
$(a)$ $\text{Rate} = k[A]^{1/2}[B]^{3/2}$
$\text{Order} = 1/2 + 3/2 = 4/2 = 2$
Thus,the reaction is of second order.
$(b)$ $\text{Rate} = k[A]^{3/2}[B]^{-1}$
$\text{Order} = 3/2 + (-1) = 3/2 - 2/2 = 1/2$
Thus,the reaction is of half order.