Answer:
HF is the limiting reactant
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced equation for the reaction is given below:
SiO₂ + 4HF —> SiF₄ + 2H₂O
From the balanced equation above,
1 mole of SiO₂ reacted with 4 moles of HF.
Finally, we shall determine the limiting reactant. This can be obtained as illustrated below:
From the balanced equation above,
1 mole of SiO₂ reacted with 4 moles of HF.
Therefore, 7.5 moles of SiO₂ will react with = 7.5 × 4 = 30 moles of HF.
From the calculation made above, we can see clearly that it will take a higher amount (i.e 30 moles) of HF than what was given from the question (i.e 5 moles) to react completely with 7.5 moles of SiO₂.
Therefore, HF is the limiting reactant and SiO₂ is the excess reactant.