Question

Laura is supplied with 5 bolts (B) and 12 nuts (N). She attached the nuts to the bolts in a 2:1 ratio (N2B). Which of the reactants will limit how much product can be formed?
A
Neither, they will both run out at the same time.

B
The nuts will run out first.

C
The bolts will run out first.

D
It is impossible to tell which one will run out first.

Answer 1

Answer:

The bolts will run out first, so these will limit how much product can be formed.

(option C is correct)

Explanation:

Step 1: Data given

Number of bolts = 5

Number of nuts = 12

ratio N:B = 2:1

Step 2

Since the ratio N:B is 2:1 we have 2 nuts for each bolt

When we have 2 bolts we have 4 nuts

When we have 3 bolts we have 6 nuts

When we have 4 bolts we have 8 nuts

When we have 5 bolts we have 10 nuts

We don't have more bolts, but there are still 2 nuts left. This means the bolts will run out first, so these will limit how much product can be formed.

(option C is correct)