Question

Which choice identifies the correct limiting reactant and correct reasoning?

4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O

5.43 moles Na produces 169 g Na2O.
4.25 moles O2 produces 527 g Na2O.

A. Na because it has the higher starting mass
B. Na because it has the lower yield
C. O₂ because it has the lower starting mass
D. O₂ because it has the higher yield

Answer 1

The limiting reactant in the given reaction is O₂ because it has the lower starting mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The limiting reactant in a chemical reaction is the reactant that is completely consumed and therefore determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed. To identify the limiting reactant, we need to compare the amount of product that can be formed from each reactant based on the given stoichiometry. In the given reaction, we have:

4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O

From the given information:

• 5.43 moles Na produces 169 g Na₂O
• 4.25 moles O₂ produces 527 g Na₂O

Comparing the amounts of product formed, we can see that 5.43 moles of Na forms 169 g of Na₂O, while 4.25 moles of O₂ forms 527 g of Na₂O. Therefore, the correct answer is choice C. O₂ because it has the lower starting mass.