Chapter 3 - Limiting reagents and reacting yield

What is Limiting Reactants?

The reactant in a chemical reaction that runs out first and thus limits the amount of product that can be formed.

How to find Limiting Reactants?

Step 1: Begin with a balanced chemical

equation with given amounts of both

reactants.

Step 2: Convert given masses to moles.

Step 3: Calculate the moles that are used of

one of the reactants.

Step 4: Compare “Moles Have” with “Moles

Used” to determine limiting/excess reagent.

What is a Reaction Yield?

measures the amount of product a chemical reaction actually produces

How do you find the reaction Yield?

Percent Yield (%) = (Actual Yield / Theoretical Yield) x 100%

What is Theoretical Yield?

Theoretical yield is calculated based on the stoichiometry of the chemical equation.