Question

In the chemical reaction: 1N₂ + 3H₂ ---> 2NH₃, which reactant do you think a chemist might run out of first? Explain.

A. Nitrogen (N₂)
B. Hydrogen (H₂)
C. Ammonia (NH₃)
D. None of the above

Answer 1

The chemist is likely to run out of Nitrogen (N₂) first.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the chemical reaction: 1N₂ + 3H₂ ---> 2NH₃, the limiting reactant is the reactant that is completely used up first and determines the amount of product that can be formed. To determine the limiting reactant, we compare the ratios of the coefficients of the reactants in the balanced equation to the amounts of each reactant that are available. In this case, since there are 3 moles of N₂ and 6 moles of H₂, and the ratio of the coefficients is 1:3, meaning 1 mole of N₂ reacts with 3 moles of H₂, it is clear that there is an excess of hydrogen. Therefore, the chemist is likely to run out of Nitrogen (N₂) first.