Answer to Question #297499 in General Chemistry for Dante

Question

In the following reaction, 5.96 g of Ammonia (NH₃) reacts completely with 180.00g Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Which is the limiting reagent?

Given: RMM of N=14; RMM of  H=1; RMM of C=12; RMM of O=16. 

                                       2 NH₃  + CO₂ → CN₂OH₄ + H₂O     

[L]

Answer 1

$RMM(NH_3)=14+3\times1=17$

$RMM(CO_2)=12+2\times16=44$

$n(NH_3)=5.96\ g\times\frac{1\ mol}{17\ g}=0.35\ mol$

$n(CO_2)=180.00\ g\times\frac{1\ mol}{44\ g}=4.1\ mol$

According to the equation, NH₃ and CO₂ react in 2 : 1 molar ratio. The actual ratio is 0.35 : 4.1, which is less than 2 : 1. Therefore,

NH₃ is the limiting reactant.