A container containing two moles of liquid ethanol and six moles of oxygen gas were sparked together to form CO₂ & H₂O. Identify the limiting reagent
A container containing two moles of liquid ethanol and six moles of oxygen gas were sparked together to form CO₂ & H₂O. Identify the limiting reagent
Explanation
To determine the limiting reagent, use the balanced chemical equation:
C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O
From the equation:
- 1 mole of ethanol reacts with 3 moles of O₂.
You have:
- 2 moles of ethanol
- 6 moles of oxygen
Required O₂ for 2 moles ethanol = 2 × 3 = 6 moles
Since you have exactly 6 moles of O₂, both ethanol and oxygen are completely consumed.