1. What is a limiting reactant? (10pts)

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A **limiting reactant** (also known as the limiting reagent) is the substance in a chemical reaction that is entirely consumed first, thereby determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed. In any chemical reaction, reactants are combined in specific proportions as dictated by the balanced chemical equation. However, if the reactants are not present in these exact proportions, one of them will run out before the others.

Once the limiting reactant is used up, the reaction cannot proceed further, and any remaining reactants are considered in excess. Identifying the limiting reactant is essential for calculating theoretical yields, optimizing reaction conditions, and minimizing waste in chemical processes.

**Example:**
Consider the reaction between nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) to produce ammonia (NH₃):

$$ N_2 + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3 $$

If you start with 1 mole of N₂ and 2 moles of H₂:
- According to the equation, 1 mole of N₂ requires 3 moles of H₂.
- However, only 2 moles of H₂ are available.
- Therefore, H₂ is the limiting reactant, and it will determine the maximum amount of NH₃ produced.

In this case, the reaction will produce $$\frac{2}{3} \times 2 = \frac{4}{3}$$ moles of NH₃, and there will be excess N₂ remaining.
A **limiting reactant** is the substance that runs out first in a chemical reaction, limiting how much product can be formed. It determines the maximum amount of product that can be made from the given amounts of reactants.

1. What is a limiting reactant? (10pts)

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