@dtan5457 Can you determine the limiting reactant just by comparing the masses of the reactants?

Question

dtan5457 · Answer

Do you have a specific example?

sophadof · Answer

No.. just in general

sophadof · Answer

I think yes..because whatever number is the lowest is the limitn greactant

dtan5457 · Answer

Not sure, the way I'm taught to find the excess/limiting reactant requires more information.

sophadof · Answer

oh...well ill just try to see..:/

dtan5457 · Answer

Take a look at this question, they need to give you a balanced equation AND a mole ratio that is being reacted.

sophadof · Answer

oh..uhm we haven't done anything like that...

dtan5457 · Answer

I'm only not sure because I don't think a lower mass means it necessarily is a limiting reactant

dtan5457 · Answer

If you ever get a specific example...post it and we'll see

sophadof · Answer

okay hang on..

sophadof · Answer

8.62 mol Si
 34.2 mol SiO2
We have to choose which one is the limiting reactant

sophadof · Answer

either SiO2 or Si

dtan5457 · Answer

Uhh, your best bet will definitely be the one with fewer moles, if that's all the info they give you.