Question

consider the reaction 2a + b → c. the diagram shown below represents the beginning of the reaction. which reactant, a or b, is the limiting reactant? a b impossible to determine without more information

Explanation:

Step1: Count the number of reactant A and B

From the diagram, assume the number of A is \(n(A)=10\) and the number of B is \(n(B) = 5\).

Step2: Use the stoichiometric ratio

The reaction is \(2A + B
ightarrow C\), the stoichiometric ratio is \(n(A):n(B)=2:1\).
If all B reacts (\(n(B) = 5\)), according to the ratio, the amount of A needed is \(n_{needed}(A)=2\times n(B)=2\times5 = 10\).

Answer:

A