Question 1: Define a limiting reactant in a chemical reaction.

Answer: A limiting reactant is the reactant that is completely consumed first in a chemical reaction, limiting the amount of products formed.

Question 2: Explain why it is important to identify the limiting reactant in industrial manufacturing processes.

Answer: Identifying the limiting reactant helps optimize the amount of reactants used, reduce waste, and maximize product yield.

Question 1: A factory uses 50 grams of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and 40 grams of acetic acid (CH3COOH) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2). Given the molar masses: NaHCO3 = 84 g/mol, CH3COOH = 60 g/mol, and CO2 = 44 g/mol, determine which reactant is limiting and calculate the mass of CO2 produced.

Answer: NaHCO3 is limiting; 27.62 grams of CO2 are produced.

Question 2: In a cosmetic cream production, 10 grams of sulfur (S) react with 8 grams of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Molar masses: S = 32 g/mol, Al2O3 = 102 g/mol, and the reaction is S + Al2O3 → Al + SO2. Which reactant is limiting, and how much sulfur dioxide (SO2) can be formed?

Answer: Sulfur is limiting; 4.0 grams of SO2 can be formed.

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to determine the limiting reactant when producing a consumer product such as baking soda or soap. Include safety precautions.

Answer: Mix known quantities of reactants in a controlled environment, observe which reactant is exhausted first, and measure product formation. Safety precautions include wearing gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated area.

Question 2: Identify two variables that could affect the outcome of a limiting reactant experiment in a manufacturing setting.

Answer: Temperature and reactant purity.

Question 1: A cosmetic company uses 100 grams of coconut oil and 80 grams of lye solution to produce soap. Based on typical reactions, explain how you would determine which reactant is limiting and estimate the amount of soap produced.

Answer: Calculate the molar amounts of each reactant using their molar masses, compare the ratios to the stoichiometric requirements, identify the limiting reactant, and then compute the theoretical yield based on that reactant.

Question 1: A manufacturer mixes 200 grams of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with 50 grams of hydrochloric acid (HCl). The reaction produces calcium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water. Determine the limiting reactant and calculate the amount of carbon dioxide released.

Answer: HCl is limiting; approximately 44 grams of CO2 are released.

Question 2: Explain why understanding limiting reactants is crucial for reducing waste and increasing efficiency in consumer product manufacturing.

Answer: It allows manufacturers to optimize reactant quantities, minimize leftover materials, reduce costs, and produce products more sustainably.