You have 16.7 grams of hydrogen and 15.4 grams of oxygen in a synthesis rxn. Which is the limiting reagent?

oxygen is limiting reactant

Explanation:

Given dа ta:

Mass of hydrogen = 16.7 g

Mass of oxygen = 15.4 g

Limiting reactant = ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Number of moles of hydrogen:

Number of moles = mass / molar mass

Number of moles = 16.7 g / 2 g/mol

Number of moles = 8.35 mol

Number of moles of oxygen:

Number of moles = mass / molar mass

Number of moles = 15.4 g / 32 g/mol

Number of moles = 0.48 mol

Now we will compare the moles of both reactant with product,

H₂ : H₂O

2 : 2

8.35 : 8.35

O₂ : H₂O

1 : 2

0.48 : 2*0.48 = 0.96 mol

The number of moles of water produced by oxygen are less so it will limiting reactant.