Question

In the reaction
4 NH3 + 5 O2→ 4 NO + 6 H2O
When one mole of ammonia and one mole of oxygen are made to react to completion
Which is the limiting reagent and why?

Answer 1

Answer:Oxygen is limiting reactant.

Explanation:

Limiting reactant is that reactant which give lesser or small amount of product .

Now we will see which reactant give lesser amount of product NH3 or O2.

4 NH3 + 5 O2→ 4 NO + 6 H2O

Here

4 mole of NH3 =4 mole NO

1 mole of NH3 = X mole NO

Cross multiply it

4X =4×1

X=4/4=1 mole of NO

So we see 1mole NH3 give 1 mole product.

Now From equation

5 mole of O2 =4 mole of NO

1 mole of O2=X mole Of NO

Cross Multiply

5X =4×1

X =4/5 =0.8 Mole of NO

So Oygen give small amount of Product that is why Oxygen is limiting reactant.