How can we find the limiting reactant in a chemistry problem?

Answer by  kf4vkp (295)

To find the limiting reagent, you must find the amount of moles of each chemical you start with, using the mass and molecular weight. Then you must find out which one runs out first, to do that you must divide by the ratio given to you in the chemical equation of the reaction.

Answer by  worker7041 (64)

Compare the mole ratio of the reactants: E. g. 2Ca + 3CO2 = 2CaCO3 2 moles of Ca react with 3 moles of CO2. If you had 5 moles of CO2 instead of 2, then CO2 would be in excess because 2 moles of Ca need exactly 3 moles of CO2.

Answer by  worker2134 (36)

First balance the equation. Then use stoichiometry to determine the amount of product you get from each reactant. The limiting reactant is the reactant that produces the least product.