Chapter 9, Problem 32A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

For a chemical reaction, the dependence of the product yield on the nature of limiting reagent needs to be explained

Concept Introduction:

• A chemical reaction is represented in terms of a chemical equation with the reactants on the left and the products on the right.

  $\text{Reactants }\to \text{ Products}$

• Yield refers to the amount of product formed from a known quantity of the reactants.

Answer to Problem 32A

A limiting reactant is completely used up and hence determines the amount of product formed.

Explanation of Solution

For any given reaction, a limiting reactant is one that is present in the smallest amount (with respect to moles) and is fully consumed during the course of the reaction. They are deduced based on the molar amounts of each reactant that is present and by comparison to the stoichiometric coefficients of the reactants in the balanced equation.

Since limiting reagentsget fully consumed as the reactions proceeds, they directly influence the amount of products formed.

Conclusion

Therefore, the maximum yield of a reaction depends on the nature of the limiting reactant