ch₃ch₂oh + 3o₂ → 2co₂ + 3h₂o\nwhat would be the limiting reactant in the reaction if 1 mole of oxygen gas…

ch₃ch₂oh + 3o₂ → 2co₂ + 3h₂o\nwhat would be the limiting reactant in the reaction if 1 mole of oxygen gas and 1 mole of ethanol (ch₃ch₂oh) reacted with each other?

ch₃ch₂oh + 3o₂ → 2co₂ + 3h₂o\nwhat would be the limiting reactant in the reaction if 1 mole of oxygen gas and 1 mole of ethanol (ch₃ch₂oh) reacted with each other?

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the stoichiometric ratio

The balanced equation is $CH_3CH_2OH + 3O_2\rightarrow 2CO_2+3H_2O$. The mole - ratio of $CH_3CH_2OH$ to $O_2$ is 1:3.

Step2: Determine the amount of reactant needed

Given 1 mole of $CH_3CH_2OH$, according to the mole - ratio, the amount of $O_2$ required for complete reaction of 1 mole of $CH_3CH_2OH$ is 3 moles. But we have only 1 mole of $O_2$.

Step3: Identify the limiting reactant

Since we don't have enough $O_2$ (we need 3 moles of $O_2$ for 1 mole of $CH_3CH_2OH$ and we have only 1 mole of $O_2$), $O_2$ is the limiting reactant.

Answer:

Oxygen gas ($O_2$) is the limiting reactant.