In a reaction
A+ B2 →AB2
Identify the limitingreagent, if any, in the following reaction mixtures.
(i) 300 atoms of A +200 molecules of B
(ii) 2 mol A + 3 mol B
(iii) 100 atoms of A +100 molecules of B
(iv) 5 mol A + 2.5 molB
(v) 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B
A limiting reagent determines the extent of a reaction. It is the reactant which is the first to get consumed during a reaction, thereby causing the reaction to stop and limiting the amount of products formed.
(i) According to the given reaction, 1 atom of A reacts with 1 molecule of B. Thus, 200 molecules of B will react with 200 atoms of A, thereby leaving 100 atoms of A unused. Hence, B is the limiting reagent.
(ii) According to the reaction, 1 mol of A reacts with 1 mol of B. Thus, 2 mol of A will react with only 2 mol of B. As a result, 1 mol of B will not be consumed. Hence, A is the limiting reagent.
(iii) According to the given reaction, 1 atom of A combines with 1 molecule of B. Thus, all 100 atoms of A will combine with all 100 molecules of B. Hence, the mixture is stoichiometric where no limiting reagent is present.
(iv) 1 mol of atom A combines with 1 mol of molecule B. Thus, 2.5 mol of B will combine with only 2.5 mol of A. As a result, 2.5 mol of A will be left as such. Hence, B is the limiting reagent.
(v) According to the reaction, 1 mol of atom A combines with 1 mol of molecule B. Thus, 2.5 mol of A will combine with only 2.5 mol of B and the remaining 2.5 mol of B will be left as such. Hence, A is the limiting reagent.