Question

Nitrogen and hydrogen react to form ammonia. Consider the mixture of N2 (blue spheres) and H2 (gray spheres) in the illustration. Which statement concerning the reaction is MOST accurate?

Answer 1

The illustration is attached below and Options are as follow,

A)  Nitrogen is in excess.
B)  Hydrogen is in excess.
C)  This is a synthesis reaction.
D)  Hydrogen is the limiting reactant.

Answer:
            Option-D (Hydrogen is the limiting reactant).

Explanation:

The equation of reaction is as follow,

                                   N₂  +  3 H₂    →     3 NH₂

According to this equation 1 mole of nitrogen reacts with 3 moles of hydrogen gas to produce 3 moles of ammonia.

In given illustration 4 moles of N₂ (blue spheres) are present and 6 moles of H₂ are present.
As,
                         1 mole of N₂ requires  =  3 moles of H₂
So,
                   4 moles of N₂ will require  =  X moles of H₂

Solving for X,
                     X  =  (4 mol × 3 mol) ÷ 1 mol

                     X  =  12 mol

Hence, 4 moles of N₂ requires 12 moles of H₂, but we are provided by 6 moles of H₂. Therefore, H₂ is a limiting reagent and will be consumed first.