If 28.64g of N2 reacts with 8.42g of H2 to produce NH3. What is the limiting reactant

nitrogen is limiting reactant

Explanation:

Given data;

Mass of nitrogen = 28.64 g

Mass of hydrogen = 8.42 g

Limiting reactant = ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃

Number of moles of nitrogen:

Number of moles = mass / molar mass

Number of moles = 28.64 g / 28 g/mol

Number of moles = 1.02 mol

Number of moles of hydrogen:

Number of moles = mass / molar mass

Number of moles = 8.42 g / 2 g/mol

Number of moles = 4.21 mol

Now we compare the moles ammonia with hydrogen and nitrogen

N₂ : NH₃

1 : 2

1.02 : 2/1 * 1.02 = 2.04 mol

H₂ : NH₃

3 : 2

4.21 : 2/3*4.21 = 2.8 mol

The number of moles of ammonia produced by nitrogen are less so it will limiting reactant.