Chemical kinematics deals with the rates of chemical reactions and their mechanisms. The rate constant in a rate law, such as the rate law d[A]/dt = k[A], is independent of concentration but depends on factors like temperature. The order of a reaction is the sum of the powers of the concentration terms in its rate equation. Common orders of reaction include zero-order, where the rate is independent of reactant concentration, first-order, where the rate depends on one concentration term, and second-order, where the rate depends on two concentration terms. Higher order reactions are also possible but are more complex.