Limiting Reactants

What is a limiting reactant?

The first reactant to be used up, causing the reaction to stop

Why are some reactants added in excess?

To make sure that the other reactant is used up

Why is the limiting reactant called limiting reactant?

Because it limits the amount of product that’s formed

What is the relationship between the amount of product and the limiting reactant?

Directly proportional

How to calculate the mass of a product formed using the mass of the limiting reactant and the balanced reaction equation.

1. Write out the balanced equation

2. Work out relative formula mass of the reactant and product you want

3. Find out how many moles there are of the substance you know the mass of

4. Use the balanced equation to work out how many moles there’ll be of the oyher substance

5. USe the number of moles to calculate the mass