Nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas are combined in a reaction to produce ammonia. If 3.0 moles of N2 and 12.0 moles of H2 are present in the mixture, which is the limiting reactant?

Question

Chemistry

Destinee Dawson

19 May, 23:22

Nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas are combined in a reaction to produce ammonia. If 3.0 moles of N2 and 12.0 moles of H2 are present in the mixture, which is the limiting reactant?

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Answers (1)

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Tucker Robbins · Answer 1

The limiting reactant is the N₂

Explanation:

The reaction for production of ammonia is:

N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃

Ratio is 1:3. Let's make a rule of three to solve this:

1 mol of nitrogen is needed to react with 3 moles of hydrogen.

3 moles of nitrogen may react with (3. 3) / 1 = 9 moles of H₂

It is ok because I have 12 moles, so the limiting reactant is the N₂ but let's confirm it.

3 moles of H₂ react with 1 mol of N₂

12 moles of H₂ would react with (12. 1) / 3 = 4 moles of N₂

It's ok to say the N₂ is the limiting because I don't have enough moles to react. I need 4 and I only have 3