<u>Answer:</u> The limiting reagent in the given chemical reaction is carbon metal.
<u>Explanation:</u>
Excess reagent is defined as the reagent which is present in large amount in a chemical reaction.
Limiting reagent is defined as the reagent which is present in small amount in a chemical reaction. Formation of product depends on the limiting reagent.
To calculate the number of moles, we use the equation:
.....(1)
- <u>For sodium sulfate:</u>
Given mass of sodium sulfate = 16.29 g
Molar mass of sodium sulfate = 142 g/mol
Putting values in equation 1, we get:
- <u>For carbon:</u>
Given mass of carbon = 3.697 g
Molar mass of carbon = 12 g/mol
Putting values in equation 1, we get:
For the given chemical reaction:
By Stoichiometry of the reaction:
4 moles of carbon reacts with 1 mole of sodium sulfate
So, 0.31 moles of carbon will react with = of sodium sulfate
As, given amount of sodium sulfate is more than the required amount. So, it is considered as an excess reagent.
Thus, carbon metal is considered as a limiting reagent because it limits the formation of product.
Hence, the limiting reagent in the given chemical reaction is carbon metal.