Question

In the following equation:

FeCl3 +O2—>Fe2O3+Cl2
what is the limiting reactant if 7 moles of FeCl3 react with 9 moles of O2?

Answer 1

FeCl₃

Step-by-step explanation:

4FeCl₃ + 3O₂ => 2Fe₂O₃+ 6Cl₂

Given => 7moles 9moles

A simple way to determine which reagent is the limiting reactant is to convert all given data to moles then divide by the respective coefficients of the balanced equation. The smaller value will be the limiting reactant.

4FeCl₃ + 3O₂ => 2Fe₂O₃+ 6Cl₂

Given => 7/4 = 1.75* 9/3 = 3

*Smaller value => FeCl₃ is limiting reactant.

NOTE: However, when working problems, one must use original mole values given.