What is the limiting reagent?

1 Answer
Jun 17, 2017

The limiting reagent is #CO#..........

Explanation:

#Fe_2O_3(s) + 3CO(g) rarr 2Fe(s) + 3CO_2(g)#

And thus #"ferric oxide"# reacts with THREE equiv #CO# to give us 2 equiv iron metal, and 3 equiv of carbon dioxide.

#"Moles of ferric oxide"=(21.00*g)/(159.69*g*mol^-1)=0.132*mol#

#"Moles of carbon monoxide"=(10.50*g)/(28.01*g*mol^-1)=0.375*mol#

Given these molar quantities, ONLY #0.125*mol# #"ferric oxide"# will react, given that it is the reagent in excess, and carbon monoxide is the reagent is in deficiency.