Answer:
D. The one that runs out first in the reaction
Step-by-step explanation:
Limiting reagent is the one that limit the yield of product because of its lower amount and run out first. Lets take an example,
Mass of calcium carbonate = 25 g
Mass of hydrochloric acid = 13.0 g
Mass of calcium chloride produced = ?
Chemical equation:
CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂
Number of moles of CaCO₃:
Number of moles of CaCO₃ = Mass /molar mass
Number of moles of CaCO₃= 25.0 g / 100.1 g/mol
Number of moles of CaCO₃ = 0.25 mol
Number of moles of HCl:
Number of moles of HCl = Mass /molar mass
Number of moles of HCl = 13.0 g / 36.5 g/mol
Number of moles of HCl = 0.36 mol
Now we will compare the moles of CaCl₂ with HCl and CaCO₃ .
CaCO₃ : CaCl₂
1 : 1
0.25 : 0.25
HCl : CaCl₂
2 : 1
0.36 : 1/2 × 0.36 = 0.18 mol
The number of moles of CaCl₂ produced by HCl are less it will be limiting reactant.