Question

Which is the limiting reactant in the following reaction given that you start with 42.0 g of CO2 and 99.9 g KOH?

Reaction: CO2 +2KOH-----> K2CO3+H20

A) K2CO3
B) H2O
C) CO2
D) KOH
E) Not enough information

Answer 1

There are 42/44 moles of CO2, 99.9/56 moles of KOH.
Since 42/44 moles of CO2 needs 84/44 moles of KOH to react with,
there aren't enough KOH in this case. Thus, (D) is the limiting reactant.

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is Option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

Limiting reagent is defined as the reagent which limits the formation of product and is present in less quantity as a reactant.

Excess reagent is defined as the reagent which is present in excess as a reactant.

To calculate the number of moles, we use the equation:

`\text{Number of moles}=\frac{\text{Given mass}}{\text{Molar mass}}`

• For carbon dioxide:

Given mass of carbon dioxide = 42 g

Molar mass of carbon dioxide = 44 g/mol

Putting values in above equation, we get:

`\text{Moles of carbon dioxide}=(42g)/(44g/mol)=0.954mol`

• For KOH:

Given mass of KOH = 99.9 g

Molar mass of KOH = 56.1 g/mol

Putting values in above equation, we get:

`\text{Moles of KOH}=(99.9g)/(56.1g/mol)=1.78mol`

For the given chemical reaction:

`CO_2+2KOH\rightarrow K_2CO_3+H_2O`

By Stoichiometry of the reaction:

2 mole of potassium hydroxide reacts with 1 mole of carbon dioxide.

So, 1.78 moles of KOH will react with =
`(1)/(2)* 1.78=0.89mol` of carbon dioxide.

As, the required amount of carbon dioixde is less than the given amount. Thus, it is considered as an excess reagent.

Potassium hydroxide is considered as a limiting reagent becase it limits the formation of products.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.