Question

The reaction between A2 (two large red spheres) and B2 (two small blue spheres) to produce AB is shown in the diagram. The reactants contain 4 A 2 molecules and 3 B 2 molecules. The products contain 6 A B molecules. Determine the limiting reactant for the reaction. AB A2 B2 no limting reactant

Answer 1

B₂

Step-by-step explanation:

The limiting reactant is always a reactant. You can determine which reactant is limiting by identifying which has the smaller mole-to-mole ratio with the product. This ratio can be found via the coefficients of the balanced reaction.

4 A₂ + 3 B₂ ---> 6 AB

4 moles A₂
------------------ = mole-to-mole ratio A₂/AB
6 moles AB

3 moles B₂
------------------ = mole-to-mole ratio B₂/AB
6 moles AB

Since the mole-to-mole ratio between B₂ and AB is smaller, B₂ must be the limiting reactant.