Question

In a reaction $A + B_2 → AB_2$ Identify the limiting reagent, if any, in the following reaction mixtures.

1. 300 atoms of A + 200 molecules of B
2. 2 mol A + 3 mol B
3. 100 atoms of A + 100 molecules of B
4. 5 mol A + 2.5 mol B
5. 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B

Answer 1

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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.

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(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.