Question

Which choice identifies the correct limiting reactant and correct reasoning for the reaction: SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + 2H₂O?

a. SiO₂ is the limiting reactant because it is present in the smallest stoichiometric amount.
b. 4HF is the limiting reactant because it determines the maximum amount of product formed.
c. SiF₄ is the limiting reactant because it is the first to be consumed.
d. 2H₂O is the limiting reactant because it produces the least amount of product.

Answer 1

The limiting reactant in the reaction of SiO2 with HF is the HF because it determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed, which is indicated by stoichiometric calculations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to which substance is the limiting reactant in the reaction SiO2 + 4HF → SiF4 + 2H2O is that 4HF is the limiting reactant because it determines the maximum amount of product formed. This means that when all of the HF has reacted, no more SiF4 or H2O can be formed, even if SiO2 remains. To identify the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction, one approach is to compare the amount of product expected from the complete reaction of each reactant based on the reaction's stoichiometry. The reactant which produces the lesser amount of product is the limiting reactant. Thus, choice 'b' is the correct answer, as it correctly names HF as the limiting reactant with the valid reasoning that it dictates the amount of product produced.