Limiting Reactant Chemistry Example 1

Solution

1. 1
   The reaction requires a $2:1$ ratio of $\text{H}_2:\text{O}_2$.
2. 2
   For $1.0$ mol $\text{O}_2$, we need $2 \times 1.0 = 2.0$ mol $\text{H}_2$. We have $4.0$ mol — more than enough.
3. 3
   For $4.0$ mol $\text{H}_2$, we need $\frac{4.0}{2} = 2.0$ mol $\text{O}_2$. We only have $1.0$ mol — not enough.
4. 4
   $\text{O}_2$ is the limiting reactant.