The limiting reactant in a reaction
A)has the lowest coefficient in a balanced equation
B)is the reactant for which you have the fewest number of moles
C)has the lowest ratio of moles available/coefficient in the balanced equation
D)has the lowest ratio of coefficient in the balanced equation/moles available
E)none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The limiting reactant is the reactant that is completely consumed in a reaction, thereby limiting the amount of product that can be formed. The ratio of moles available over the coefficient in the balanced equation gives the number of moles of product that can be formed per mole of reactant. The reactant with the lowest ratio will be the limiting reactant.

The Limiting Reactant in a Reaction