Chapter 9, Problem 49A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced reaction between NO and O₂ and the limiting reactant needs to be predicted.

Concept Introduction:

The reaction in which the reactant is totally consumed when the reaction is completed is known as limiting reactant

Answer to Problem 49A

The balanced reaction is shown below:

  $\text{2NO}\text{+}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to 2{\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$

NO will act as a limiting reactant.

Explanation of Solution

In the given reaction is shown below:

  

The O₂ molecules represented as

The NO molecules represented as

The NO₂ molecules represented as

In the reactant side there is O₂ and NO molecules present in the reaction whereas in the product side there are NO₂ molecules present.

The reaction is shown below:

  $\text{NO}\text{+}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to {\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$

The balance chemical reaction is shown below:

  $\text{2NO}\text{+}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to 2{\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$

In the given reaction; 6 molecules of O₂ reacts with 6 molecules of NO in the reactant side.

According to the given reaction 1 molecule of O₂ reacts with 2 molecules of NO

Therefore, 6 molecules of O₂ would react with 12 molecules of NO. But there are 6 molecules of NO that means NO will get totally consumed in the reaction and thus, will act as a limiting reactant.

Conclusion

Thus, the balanced reaction is shown below:

  $\text{2NO}\text{+}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to 2{\text{NO}}_{\text{2}}$

NO will act as a limiting reactant.