Na2CO3 + CaCl2 = CaCO3 + 2NaCl
Yes, the first step is to write a balanced equation of the reaction.
The coefficients of the balanced equation tells us the relative number of moles of each reactants is required, as well as the relative number of moles of the products.
In this example, the relative number of moles are:
1* Na2CO3
1* CaCl2
1* CaCO3
2* NaCl
This means that Na2CO3 and CaCl2 are in the ratio of 1:1.
If 0.0453 mol of Na2CO3 were used, it will require 0.0453 mol of CaCl2, which is greater than the supplied 0.0216 mol of CaCl2 available.
Would you be able to figure out the limiting reagent?
Note:
Limiting reagent is defined as:
The limiting reagent (or limiting reactant) in a chemical reaction is the substance that is totally consumed when the chemical reaction is complete.