hcl + naoh ==> h2o + nacl limiting reagant
To determine the limiting reagent in a chemical reaction, you need to compare the stoichiometry of the reactants to see which one will be completely consumed first.
In this reaction, we have hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacting with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce water (H2O) and sodium chloride (NaCl).
The balanced chemical equation is:
HCl + NaOH → H2O + NaCl
To analyze which reactant is limiting, we need to convert the amount (moles) of each reactant to the same product (water in this case). Let's assume you have the amounts of both reactants.
1. Determine the moles of each reactant:
- Convert the given amount of HCl to moles by dividing it by the molar mass of HCl.
- Convert the given amount of NaOH to moles by dividing it by the molar mass of NaOH.
2. Use the balanced equation to determine the mole ratio:
- The coefficient of HCl is 1, so the ratio is 1:1.
- The coefficient of NaOH is also 1, so the ratio is 1:1.
3. Compare the mole ratios:
- Compare the moles of HCl to the moles of NaOH. The reactant that produces fewer moles of water is the limiting reagent.
The reactant with the smaller mole ratio is the limiting reagent. It means it will be completely consumed while the other reactant will be left over.
In this case, if the moles of HCl are smaller than the moles of NaOH, HCl is the limiting reagent. If the moles of NaOH are smaller, then NaOH is the limiting reagent.