How can you find a limiting reactant using moles?

1 Answer
Saif Rabbani · Stefan V.
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.

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