Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
For the reaction 4Al(s) + 3O₂(g) → 2Al₂O₃(s), if you start with 8 moles of Al and 6 moles of O₂, what is the limiting reactant?
A
Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃)
B
Oxygen (O₂)
C
Aluminum (Al)
Verified step by step guidance
1
First, identify the balanced chemical equation for the reaction: .
Calculate the mole ratio from the balanced equation: 4 moles of Al react with 3 moles of O₂ to produce 2 moles of Al₂O₃.
Determine the number of moles of Al and O₂ you have: 8 moles of Al and 6 moles of O₂.
Use the mole ratio to calculate how many moles of O₂ are needed to react with 8 moles of Al: moles of O₂ per mole of Al, so × 8 = 6 moles of O₂ are needed.
Compare the moles of O₂ needed with the moles available: Since you have exactly 6 moles of O₂, which matches the amount needed, O₂ is the limiting reactant.