When iron(3) oxide reacts with carbon , what is the limiting reactant?
2Fe2O3+3C=4Fe+3CO2
To determine the limiting reactant, we can compare the stoichiometric ratios of iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) and carbon (C) in the balanced chemical equation:
2Fe2O3 + 3C = 4Fe + 3CO2
From the equation, we can see that for every 2 moles of Fe2O3, we need 3 moles of C to react completely. The limiting reactant is the one that is completely consumed first and determines the amount of product formed.
To find the limiting reactant, you need to compare the number of moles of Fe2O3 and C available for the reaction.
Let's assume you have x moles of Fe2O3 and y moles of C.
According to the balanced equation, the stoichiometric ratio of Fe2O3 to C is 2:3. This means that 2 moles of Fe2O3 react with 3 moles of C.
Using this ratio, we can set up the following equation to determine the limiting reactant:
2 moles of Fe2O3 / 3 moles of C = x moles of Fe2O3 / y moles of C
Simplifying the equation, we get:
2/3 = x/y
To find the limiting reactant, we need to calculate the mole ratios of Fe2O3 to C:
moles of Fe2O3 = x
moles of C = y
If x/y > 2/3, then C is the limiting reactant.
If x/y < 2/3, then Fe2O3 is the limiting reactant.
If x/y = 2/3, then both reactants are in stoichiometric proportions, and none of them is the limiting reactant.
By comparing the ratio x/y with 2/3, you can determine which reactant is the limiting reactant.
In order to determine the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction, we need to compare the number of moles of each reactant to the stoichiometric ratio given by the balanced equation.
Let's begin by calculating the number of moles of each reactant present. We can use the given balanced equation to determine the stoichiometric ratio:
2Fe2O3 + 3C = 4Fe + 3CO2
From the balanced equation, we can see that the stoichiometric ratio between Fe2O3 and C is 2:3. This means that for every 2 moles of Fe2O3, we need 3 moles of C.
Now, let's consider the amounts provided in the question. We have:
- 2 moles of Fe2O3
- 3 moles of C
To determine the limiting reactant, we compare the moles of each reactant to the stoichiometric ratio. Since we have more moles of C (3 moles) compared to the required amount of C (2 moles), C is in excess. Therefore, the limiting reactant is Fe2O3.
To summarize, when iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) reacts with carbon (C) according to the balanced equation 2Fe2O3 + 3C = 4Fe + 3CO2, the limiting reactant is Fe2O3.