Question

Compare and contrast limiting reagant reactions and equilibrium reactions?

Answer 1

Solution-

Limiting reagent reaction-

It is not reversible reactions. It occurs in forward direction. Let’s discus first limiting reactant.

Limiting reactant-

It is the chemical substance (reactant) which is totally consumed when chemical reaction is complete. Because of this reagent amount of product formed is limited. Reaction could not be completed without limiting reagent.

If more than one reagent is present in excess than limiting reagent, then they are consider as excess reactant.

Following balance chemical reaction describe the limiting reactant-

Combustion of benzene

2C6H6 (l) + 15O2(g) --> 12CO2(g) + 6H2O(l)

Here 15 mole O2 required 2 moes of benzene.

Oxygen is the excess reactant and benzene is limiting reagent.

Equilibrium reaction-

It is reversible reaction. Let’s discus the reversible reaction.

Reversible reaction-

This can be go in both the direction forward as well as backward direction depending on the reaction condition.

Example-

If you pass steam over hot iron the it reacts with the iron to produce oxide of iron triiron tetroxide, (Fe₃O₄).

3Fe(s) + 4H2O(g) --> Fe3O4(s) +4H2(g)

The hydrogen produced in the reaction is swept away by the stream of steam.

At different conditions, the products of this reaction will also react together. Hydrogen passed over hot triiron tetroxide reduces it to iron. Steam is also produced.

Fe3O4(s) +4H2(g) --> 3Fe(s) + 4H2O(g)

This time the steam produced in the reaction is swept away by the stream of

These reactions are occurred in closed system