What is the limiting reactant for the following reaction if there are 3.4 moles of Ca(NO2)2 and 2.4 moles of Li3PO4?

Question

3Ca(NO2)2 + 2Li3PO4 --> 6LiNO2 + Ca3(PO4)2

A)Ca(NO2)2
B) Li3PO4
C) LiNO2
D) Ca3(PO4)2

Answer 1

to find LR divide the amount by the coefficient in the equation, whichever is lower, is the Limiting Reactant (LR)

3.4/3 = 1.13
2.4/2 = 1.2

So the Ca(NO2)@ is limiting (A)

Answer 2

Ok Good thank you, I just get confused as to the denominator in the LR's...Can you use any of the coefficients in the reactants?