Given the equation: 3 Fe (s) + 4 H2O (g) -- Fe304 (g) + 4 H2(g) When 6 moles H2O is mixed with 7 moles Fe, which is the limiting reagent?

Question

Given the equation: 3 Fe (s) + 4 H2O (g) --) Fe304 (g) + 4 H2(g) When 6 moles H2O is mixed with 7 moles Fe, which is the limiting reagent?

Answer 1

3 Fe (s) + 4 H2O (g) -- Fe304 (g) + 4 H2(g)

Divide the moles of each reactant by the corresponding coefficient in the balanced equation. Whichever values comes out less is the limiting reactant.

For H₂O we have .. 6 mols H₂O (÷4->1.5)

For Fe we have .. 7 mols Fe (÷3->2.3)

Since 1.5 is less than 2.3, H₂O is the limiting reactant