Question

If a sample containing 18.1 g of NH3 is reacted with 90.4 g of

Cuo, which is the limiting reactant? How many grams of N2
will be formed?​

Answer 1

3.64g

Step-by-step explanation:

Given parameters:

Mass of NH₃ = 18.1g

Mass of Cu₂O = 90.4g

Unknown:

Limiting reactant = ?

Mass of N₂ formed = ?

Solution:

The reaction equation is given as:

Cu₂O + 2NH₃ → 6Cu + N₂ + 3H₂O

The limiting reactant is the one in short supply in the reaction. Let us find the number of moles of the given species;

Number of moles =
`(mass)/(molar mass)`

Molar mass of Cu₂O = 2(63.6) + 16 = 143.2g/mol

Molar mass of NH₃ = 14 + 3(1) = 17g/mol

Number of moles of Cu₂O =
`(18.1)/(143.2)` = 0.13moles

Number of moles of NH₃ =
`(90.4)/(17)` = 5.32moles

From this reaction;

1 mole of Cu₂O combines with 2 mole of NH₃

So 0.13moles of Cu₂O will combine with 0.13 x 2 mole of NH₃

= 0.26moles of NH₃

Therefore, Cu₂O is the limiting reactant. Ammonia is in excess;

Mass of N₂;

Mass = number of moles x molar mass

1 mole of Cu₂O will produce 1 mole of N₂

0.13 mole of Cu₂O will produce 0.13 mole of N₂

Mass = 0.13 x (2 x 14) = 3.64g