Which of the following observations is incorrect about the order of a reaction? a) Order of a reaction is always a whole number
b) The stoichiometric coefficient of the reactants doesn’t affect the order
c) Order of reaction is the sum of the coefficients of the reactants
d) Order can only be assessed experimentally

a) Order of a reaction is always a whole number

Explanation:

Order of a reaction is not always whole number. It can be zero, or fractional .

c. heat could easily travel through the molecules in the air and escape/enter the flask. removing the air slows down the heat transfer.  

conduction is the transfer of thermal energy (heat in transfer) due to collisions between the molecules in the object. collisions between adjacent atoms and molecules transfer kinetic energy from the warmer to the cooler object. the objects must be in physical contact.