what is the limiting reagent in a reaction between copper sulfate and barium nitrate?
The limiting reagent ALWAYS depends upon how much of each reagent is involved. Find mols by ml = grams/molar mass of each. Then convert mols of each to mols of ANY of the products. The one that produces the LEAST number of mols of the product is the limiting reagent.
To determine the limiting reagent in a reaction, we need to compare the mole ratios of the reactants and see which one is present in lower amounts.
In this case, the reaction between copper sulfate (CuSO4) and barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2) can be represented by the following balanced equation:
CuSO4 + Ba(NO3)2 → Cu(NO3)2 + BaSO4
To find the limiting reagent, you'll need to know the amount (in moles or mass) of each reactant. Let's assume you have this information.
1. Write down the balanced equation for the reaction.
- CuSO4 + Ba(NO3)2 → Cu(NO3)2 + BaSO4
2. Write down the molar mass of each compound.
- CuSO4: 159.61 g/mol
- Ba(NO3)2: 261.34 g/mol
3. Calculate the number of moles of each reactant based on the given amounts.
For example, let's say you have 5 grams of copper sulfate (CuSO4):
- Moles of CuSO4 = mass / molar mass
- Moles of CuSO4 = 5 g / 159.61 g/mol
4. Convert the moles of each reactant to the moles of the desired product (Cu(NO3)2 or BaSO4) using the coefficients from the balanced equation.
- For CuSO4: the coefficient is 1.
- For Ba(NO3)2: the coefficient is also 1.
5. Compare the moles of the two reactants.
- The reactant that produces a smaller amount of Cu(NO3)2 or BaSO4 is the limiting reagent.
Once you calculate the moles of Cu(NO3)2 or BaSO4 for both reactants, you can determine which one is the limiting reagent by comparing their amounts. The reactant that produces a smaller amount of Cu(NO3)2 or BaSO4 will be the limiting reagent in this reaction.