What is a limiting reactant?
AThe reactant with the largest molar mass present
BThe reactant that is added to the vessel last
CThe reactant left over when reaction finishes
DThe reactant that runs out and caps the product
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. The reactant that runs out and caps the product
1. When reactants are not mixed in stoichiometric amounts, one is present in short supply.
2. That reactant is used up completely while some of the other remains.
3. Once it is gone the reaction stops, so it caps the amount of product formed.
4. The reactant left over is the excess reactant, not the limiting one.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 4 "Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions", section 4.4 Reaction Yields_
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