What is the limiting reactant is if 0.5gAl is reacted with 3.5gCuCl2?
2Al(s)+3CuCl2(aq) --> 3Cu(s)+2AlCl3(aq)
moles Al=.5/27=.0185
Moles CuCl2=3.5/134.5= 0.0260
the balanced equation requires 3/2 moles CopperIIChloride/Al
you have .0260/.0185=1.20 so you dont have a 1.5 ratio, you have too little CuCl2, and it is the limiting reactant
To determine the limiting reactant, we need to compare the number of moles of each reactant using their respective molar masses.
First, we need to convert the mass of each reactant to moles.
Molar mass of Al = 26.98 g/mol
Molar mass of CuCl2 = atomic mass of Cu (63.55 g/mol) + atomic mass of Cl (35.45 g/mol) * 2 = 134.45 g/mol
Moles of Al = (0.5 g Al) / (26.98 g/mol Al) = 0.0185 mol Al (approx.)
Moles of CuCl2 = (3.5 g CuCl2) / (134.45 g/mol CuCl2) = 0.026 mol CuCl2 (approx.)
Next, we need to find the mole ratio between Al and CuCl2 based on the balanced chemical equation.
From the balanced equation: 2Al(s) + 3CuCl2(aq) -> 3Cu(s) + 2AlCl3(aq)
The mole ratio between Al and CuCl2 is 2:3.
Now, we can compare the moles of Al and CuCl2 using the mole ratio.
(0.0185 mol Al) x (3 mol CuCl2 / 2 mol Al) = 0.0278 mol CuCl2 (approx.)
Comparing the moles of Al and CuCl2, we see that the mole of CuCl2 (0.026 mol) is slightly higher than the mole of Al (0.0185 mol).
Therefore, Al is the limiting reactant and CuCl2 is in excess.
To determine the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction, you need to compare the amount of each reactant to the stoichiometric ratio in the balanced equation.
Let's calculate the number of moles for each reactant:
Mass of Al = 0.5g
Molar mass of Al = 26.98 g/mol
Number of moles of Al = Mass of Al / Molar mass of Al
Mass of CuCl2 = 3.5g
Molar mass of CuCl2 = 134.45 g/mol
Number of moles of CuCl2 = Mass of CuCl2 / Molar mass of CuCl2
Using the balanced equation, we can determine the stoichiometric ratio between Al and CuCl2:
2Al(s) + 3CuCl2(aq) -> 3Cu(s) + 2AlCl3(aq)
From the balanced equation, we can see that 2 moles of Al react with 3 moles of CuCl2.
Now, we can compare the moles of each reactant to determine the limiting reactant.
Divide the number of moles of Al by the stoichiometric coefficient of Al (2) and divide the number of moles of CuCl2 by the stoichiometric coefficient of CuCl2 (3).
Moles of Al / Stoichiometric coefficient of Al = Moles of Al / 2
Moles of CuCl2 / Stoichiometric coefficient of CuCl2 = Moles of CuCl2 / 3
Compare the two results. The reactant with the smaller value is the limiting reactant because it determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed.
If the moles of Al / 2 is smaller than the moles of CuCl2 / 3, then Al is the limiting reactant.
If the moles of Al / 2 is larger than the moles of CuCl2 / 3, then CuCl2 is the limiting reactant.
By comparing the values, you should be able to determine the limiting reactant between Al and CuCl2.