Limiting reactant

[006033476]

What key information gives away the limiting reactant in a word problem?

[Stephanie_manasyan]

Hi! There isn't really "key information", you must calculate for the limiting reactant. The reactant that is consumed first and limits the amount of products that can be obtained is the limiting reactant. To find the limiting reactant, you calculate the number of moles of each reactant present and compare this ratio to the mole ratio of the reactants in the balanced chemical equation. The reactant that produces a lesser amount of product is the limiting reactant. Hope this helps.

[sofiarips]

I generally agree with the other poster. But, keep an eye out for when you are given the masses of several of the reactants and not just one reactant.

[Bethel Tesfamicael]

The limiting reactant is identified by comparing the mole ratios of the reactants to the coefficients in the balanced chemical equation and determining which reactant runs out first.