Question

What is a limiting reactant and theoretical yield?

Answer 1

Definitions follow..

Explanation:

A limiting reactant is a reactant in a chemical reaction that limits the amount of product created.

So for example if there are elements X and Y reacting to create product XY, once say element X runs out, the reaction stops, even though there is still more of the reactant Y. So there is 0 g of element X remaining, and maybe 2 g left of element Y. X is the limiting reactant since it limits the amount of product made.

Theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that could be made in an experiment. This occurs if a reaction is 100% effective (and experimentally, this doesn't usually happen, which is why it is called theoretical).