What is the limiting reactant in synthesis of ammonium (NH3) if you have 15 moles of N2(g) and 10 moles of H2(g)?

Answer 1

First, we need a balance chemical equation:

N₂(g) + 3H₂(g) --> 2NH₃(g)

Next, you would have to find how many moles of the product each of the reactants makes.

15 moles N₂ (2 mol NH₃/ 1 mol N₂) = 30 mol NH₃

10 moles H₂ (2 mol NH₃/ 3 mol H₂) = 6.67 mol NH_3.

Because the number of moles of NH₃ possilbe with H₂ is less than that for N₂, Hydrogen gas is the limiting reagent.