Question

Below is a generic equation for a reaction. If I mix 2 units of a with 6 units of b, which of the following is true?

1) Substance b will be the limiting reactant.
2) Both reactants will fully react.
3) Substance a will be the limiting reactant.
4) There would be no reaction.
5) Not enough information given.

Answer 1

To identify the limiting reactant when mixing 2 units of a with 6 units of b, one must compare the mole ratios of the reactants and the balanced chemical equation. Since no specific balanced equation or molar masses were provided, the correct answer is option 5) Not enough information given.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which substance is the limiting reactant when mixing 2 units of a with 6 units of b, we need to follow a series of steps:

1. Balance the chemical equation for the reaction.
   
2. Convert the given information into moles using the molar mass of each reactant.
   
3. Compare the mole ratio of the reactants with the ratio in the balanced chemical equation to determine the limiting reactant.
   
4. Calculate the number of moles of product that can be obtained from the limiting reactant.
   
5. Using stoichiometry, determine the amount of product produced from each reactant and identify the one that produces less product as the limiting reactant.
   
6. For the excess reactant, find the amount remaining by subtracting the mass of reactant consumed from the initial mass of that reactant provided.

Without the specific balanced equation or molar masses, we cannot identify whether substance a or b is the limiting reactant. Therefore, option 5) Not enough information given, is the correct answer.