Question

You have 16.7 grams of hydrogen and 15.4 grams of oxygen in a synthesis rxn. Which is the limiting reagent?

Answer 1

Answer:

oxygen is limiting reactant

Explanation:

Given data:

Mass of hydrogen = 16.7 g

Mass of oxygen = 15.4 g

Limiting reactant = ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

2H₂ + O₂   →   2H₂O

Number of moles of hydrogen:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 16.7 g/ 2 g/mol

Number of moles = 8.35 mol

Number of moles of oxygen:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 15.4 g/ 32 g/mol

Number of moles = 0.48 mol

Now we will compare the moles of both reactant with product,

                 

                             H₂           :          H₂O

                              2            :            2

                             8.35        :            8.35

                             O₂           :          H₂O

                               1            :            2

                             0.48        :        2×0.48 = 0.96 mol

The number of moles of water produced by oxygen are less so it will limiting reactant.