Question

If $36$ grams of carbon and $32$ grams of oxygen gas are allowed to react to form carbon dixoide, which is limiting reagent?

• A. There is no limiting reagent.
• B. Carbon is limiting.
• C. Oxygen gas is limiting.
• D. The oxygen and carbon are both limiting.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Oxygen gas is limiting.

$C+O_2⟶C{O}_2$

Moles of $C$ in $36g=\frac{36}{12}=3$ moles

Moles of $O$ in $32g=\frac{32}{32}=1$ mole

As $1$ mole of $C$ is reacting with $1$ mole of $O_2$, thus $O_2$ is limiting agent here because its $1$ mole is available which completely react with $1$ mole of $C$. Thus only $C$ remain in the reaction.