How can you find a limiting reactant using moles?

1 Answer
Feb 8, 2017

For this you just have to watch the balanced equation of the reaction.

Explanation:

For eg:

"N"_2 + 3"H"_2 -> 2"NH"_3

This means that 1 mole of "N"_2 reacts with 3 moles of "H"_2 and makes 2 moles of "NH"_3.

If you are given 5 moles of "N"_2 and 9 moles of "H"_2, then what's the limiting reagent?

You can find it here

"1 mole N"_2 "reacts with 3 moles H"_2

"2 moles N"_2 "react with 6 moles H"_2

"3 moles N"_2 "react with 9 moles H"_2

Oh see!! The "H"_2 moles are consumed when 3 moles of "N"_2 react. But you have 5 moles of "N"_2 available, so in this case, "H"_2 is the limiting reagent.

Hope you understand.