Chapter 12.3, Problem 34LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The effect of insufficient quantity of a reactant on the amount of product formed needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: A balanced chemical equation is an equation in which the number of atoms of each species of reactants is equal to the number of atoms of each species of products.

Answer to Problem 34LC

An insufficient quantity of reactant limits the amount of product formed.

Explanation of Solution

In a reaction, all reactants react together in a stoichiometric ratio to form a product which is also formed according to stoichiometry.

For example:

  $2{\text{H}}_2+{\text{O}}_2\to 2{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

If the quantity of reactant is insufficient in the reaction, the number of product forms will be limited which means the insufficient amount of reactant limits the amount of product formed.

Conclusion

An insufficient quantity of reactant limits the amount of product formed.