If 3 moles of calcium react with 3 moles of oxygen, then
a. Wich substance is the limiting reactant?
b. How many moles of calcium oxide are formed ?
a. Calcium is the limiting reactant because it only has 3 moles compared to the 3 moles of oxygen.
b. According to the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between calcium and oxygen:
2Ca + O2 -> 2CaO
For every 2 moles of calcium that reacts, 2 moles of calcium oxide is formed. Therefore, since there are only 3 moles of calcium, the maximum amount of calcium oxide that can be formed is:
3 moles Ca * (2 moles CaO / 2 moles Ca) = 3 moles CaO
So, 3 moles of calcium oxide are formed.
To determine the limiting reactant, we need to compare the stoichiometric ratio between the reactants. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between calcium (Ca) and oxygen (O2) to form calcium oxide (CaO) is:
2 Ca + O2 -> 2 CaO
a. To find the limiting reactant, we need to calculate the moles of calcium (Ca) and oxygen (O2) available. Since both substances are present in an equal amount of 3 moles, we can say that neither is in excess or limiting.
b. From the balanced equation, we can see that 2 moles of calcium oxide (CaO) are formed for every 2 moles of calcium (Ca) and 1 mole of oxygen (O2) used. Therefore, if the reaction proceeds with 3 moles of calcium and 3 moles of oxygen, we can determine that 3 moles of calcium oxide will be formed.