Use the following reaction: Zn + 2HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2 If you are given 5.0 moles of Zn and 5.0 moles of HCl, which one is the limiting reactant?

Answer 1

Simply divide the moles of each reactant by the corresponding coefficient in the balanced equation, and whichever is less is the limiting reactant:

For Zn: 5.0 moles Zn / 1 = 5.0

For HCl: 5.0 mol HCl / 2 = 2.5 - THIS IS LIMITING