Identify the limiting reactant when 1.78 gram of oxygen reacts with 2.16 grams of hydrogen to produce water.

oxygen is limiting reactant.

Explanation:

Given data:

Mass of oxygen = 1.78 g

Mas of hydrogen = 2.16 g

Limiting reactant = ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

2H₂ + O₂  →  2H₂O

Number of moles of oxygen:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 1.78 g / 32 g/mol

Number of moles = 0.06 mol

Number of moles of hydrogen:

Number of moles = mass/ molar mass

Number of moles = 2.16 g / 2 g/mol

Number of moles = 1.08 mol

No we will compare the moles of oxygen and hydrogen with water.

                 O₂          :          H₂O

                  1            :             2

                0.06        :           2×0.06 = 0.12 mol

                 H₂            :           H₂O

                  2             :             2

                  1.08         :           1.08

Number of moles of water produced by oxygen are less so oxygen will be limiting reactant.