Chapter 11, Problem 105A

Observe and Infer Determine whether each reaction depends on a limiting reactant. Explain why or why not, and identify the limiting reactant.
a. Potassium chlorate decomposes to form potassium chloride and oxygen.
b. Silver nitrate and hydrochloric acid react to produce silver chloride and nitric acid.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether each reaction depends on limiting reagent or not needs to be explained. Also, whether limiting reactant can be identified in reaction of potassium chlorate to give potassium chloride and oxygen or not needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Limiting reactant is the reactant which is present in fewer amounts and is exhausted before the completion of reactant.

Explanation of Solution

No, all the reactions are not dependent on limiting reactant. Specially, reactions with single reactants are not dependent on limiting reactant. All the reactions with two or more than two reactants are dependent on limiting reactant. For single reactant reaction, there is no such concept of limiting reactant exists.

The given reaction is independent of limiting reactant as it is a single reactant reaction.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the limiting reactant can be identified in reaction of silver nitrate and hydrochloric acid to produce silver chloride and nitric acid needs to be determined.

Explanation of Solution

Yes, this reaction is dependent on limiting reactant. As it has two reactant any of them can be exhaust before the completion of reaction.