Question

What is limiting reagent ? With some easiest example

Answer 1

The reactant which is present in lesser amount is called limiting reagent

Limiting reagent limits the participation of other reactant which is in excess in the reaction.
Example:50 kg N2 and 10kg H2 are mixed to produce NH3.Find the limiting reagent in the production of ammonia
N2 + 3H2 → 2 NH3
convert the amount to moles
Moles of N2 = 50000g/28g mol-1 = 1785 mol
Moles of H2 = 10000g/2.016 = 4960 mol
According to the equation 1 mole of N2 reacts with 3 moles of H2
Hence 1785 mole of N2 will react with 3 X 1785 mol = 5355 moles
Here we have 4960 moles of hydrogen. hydrogen present in the lesser amount. hence hydrogen is the limiting reagent.