Why is the term limiting used to describe the limiting reactant?

1 Answer
MM
Apr 6, 2017

If there is not enough of one reagent to react with all of another reagent, then the reaction is limited by the amount of that reagent.

Explanation:

All reactions are governed by the stoichiometry of the particular reaction. If the amounts of reagent do not meet the stoichiometrical needs of the reaction, then the reaction can only continue until one reagent is used up first, and this is called the limiting reagent.

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