Question

Which is the limiting reagent in the following reaction given that you start with 15.5 g of Na2S and 12.1 g CuSO4? Reaction: Na2S + CuSO4 → Na2SO4 + CuS A) Na2S B) CuSO4 C) Na2SO4 D) CuS E) not enough information

Answer 1

CuSO4

Step-by-step explanation:

Na2S + CuSO4 → Na2SO4 + CuS

The reaction is balanced (same number of elements in each side)

To determine limiting reagent you need to know the moles you have of each.

Molar mass Na2S = 23 * 2 + 32 = 78

Molar mass CuSO4 = 63.5 + 32 + 16 * 4 = 159.5

Na2S mole = 15.5 / 78 = 0.2

CuSO4 mole = 12.1/159.5 = 0.076

*Remember mole = mass / MM

With that information now you have to divide each moles by its respective stoichiometric coefficient

Na2S stoichiometric coefficient : 1

Na2S : 0.2 / 1 = 0.2

CuSO4 stoichiometric coefficient: 1

CuSO4: 0.076 / 1 = 0.076

The smaller number between them its the limiting reagent, CuSO4