Limiting reagent problems are those in which the amount of more than one reactant is given. I solve these problems by solving two stoichiometry problems. Here is an example of a stoichiometry problem. Just follow the steps.
http://www.jiskha.com/science/chemistry/stoichiometry.html
Solve once using reactant 1 assuming you have all of reactant 2 needed; then solve again using reactant 2 and assuming you have all of reactant 1 needed. You will obtain two answers; of course both can't be right. The correct answer in limiting reagent problems is ALWAYS the smaller one and the reagent producing that value is the limiting reagent.
Post your work if you get stuck.
1. How many grams of P4 will react with 35.0 grams of H2O according to the balanced equation P4+5O2+6H2O=4H3PO4?
2. If you have 50 grams of P4, 40 grams of H2O, and an unlimited supply of O2, which reactant (according to the above balanced equation) is the limiting reactant? How much H3PO4 can be produced based upon the amounts of reactants?
1 answer
1 answer