Question
Limiting reagents Titanium is a transition metal. 40 kg of titanium chloride was added to 20 kg of sodium. The equation for the reaction is: TiCl_(4)+4Naarrow Ti+4NaCl Relative atomic masses (A_(r)): Na=23 Cl=35.5 Ti=48 Explain why titanium chloride is the limiting reactant. You must show your working. __
Answer
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Paige
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Titanium chloride is the limiting reactant because based on the provided amount-mass quantities and relevant stoichiometric computations, TiCl4 quantity (in mole) is verified to be solely sufficient for the stoichiometry, being able to completely be reacted first, given this balanced equation. As such, TiCl4 defines the upper extent of how much products (Ti, NaCl) we get before adjustments are barred according to principles of chemical reaction finalization, hence properly terming it limiting reactant for reacting exactly enough to suit this scenario and finite initial quantities.
Explanation
To ascertain which substance is the limiting reactant, you need to first be mindful of the stoichiometric relationship outlined in the balanced chemical equation, which is "1 mole of TiCl4 reacts with 4 moles of Na to produce 1 mole of Ti and 4 moles of NaCl".Let's first calculate the amounts (in moles) of each reactant used:- For TiCl4, molecular weight: Ti = 48, each Cl (4 total) = 35.5*4 = 142. Total = 190 g/mol. With 40000 g available, we have 40000/190 = 210.53 moles TiCl4- For Na, atomic weight is 23 g/mol. With 20000 g available, we have 20000/23 = 869.57 moles of Na.Next, pay attention to the molar ratio. Foreach mole of TiCl4, there are 4 moles of Na necessitated by the reaction, and so, (using TiCl4 as our basis), we would have needed (210.53 * 4) = 842.12 moles of Sodium. We have much more Sodium (869.57 moles) than necessary based upon our amount of TiCl4.So in terms of moles, we have a surplus of sodium based on our stoichiometry, therefore sufficient for the reaction to consume the entire 40 kg of titanium chloride. Therefore, TiCl4 is tipped as the limiting reagent because it would get used up before the Sodium does considering their initial quantities, causing the reaction to halt.