Chemistry Question...07

Question

Students held a four-mole strip of magnesium over a flame until a combustion began. Students were provided the balanced chemical reaction for the combustion of magnesium and asked to describe the limiting reactant. 

 

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

 

Which student correctly describes the limiting reactant? 

A. - Student 1

B. - Student 2 ( Incorrect...)

C. - Student 3

D. - Student 4

Please Explain your answer!

Answer 1

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO ... balanced equation

This is a poorly written question because it doesn't state where the combustion took place. Was it in an open room? If so, then student 4 is correct. If not, for example, if it were conducted inside of a bell jar or some other container, then student 1 is correct.