Reacting Masses | Chemistry for GCSE/IGCSE - Class 10 PDF Download

Reacting Masses

• Chemical equations offer a method to determine the moles or masses of reactants and products.
• Initially, the data provided in the question is utilized to ascertain the quantity in moles of the substances under examination.
• Subsequently, the ratio between these substances is established through the balanced chemical equation.
• Upon determining the moles, they can be converted into grams using the respective relative atomic or relative formula masses.

Limiting Reactants

• Chemical reactions cease when one of the reactants is depleted.
• The reactant that depletes first is termed the limiting reactant, as it dictates the extent and consequently the quantity of product generated in a reaction.
• Thus, the amount of product formed is directly correlated to the quantity of the limiting reactant initially added.
• The limiting reactant is the one that is not present in surplus during the reaction.
• To ascertain the limiting reactant in a reaction, the ratios of each reactant in the balanced equation need to be considered.
• When conducting reacting mass calculations, the limiting reactant is always utilized as it denotes the maximum achievable amount of product.
• The steps involved are as follows:
  • Write the balanced equation for the reaction.
  • Calculate the moles of each reactant.
  • Compare the moles and identify the limiting reactant.