If 15.9 grams of iron react with 12.8 grams of oxygen gas, how many grams of iron (III) oxide are produced? What is the limiting reactant and what is the excess reactant in this reaction?

Answer 1

This is a reaction stoichiometry problem. You will first need to write the BALANCED equation of the reaction.

The general roadmap for doing stoichiometry problems is as follows

X + Y → Z

grams X → mol X → mol Z

grams Y → mol Y → mol Z

Compare the results for mol Z (product. The limiting reactant usually produce the least amount of product (either as moles or grams). Now using the # of mol of Z (limiting) calculate the amount of product in grams.

The balanced chemical equation is 4 Fe + 3 O₂ → 2 Fe₂O₃

Follow the steps above, your answer should be 26.7 g Iron (III) oxide, limiting reactant is Fe