The reaction between solid white phosphorous and oxygen produces solid tetraphosphorous decaoxide (P4010). The balanced
equation is given below:
P4 +502 → P4010

What is the limiting reactant if you are using 25.0 grams of phosphorus and 50.0 grams of oxygen?

oxygen is limiting reactant

Explanation:

Given data:

Mass of phosphorus = 25.0 g

Mass of oxygen = 50.0 g

What is limiting reactant ?

Solution:

Chemical equation:

P₄   +  5O₂       →      P₄O₁₀

Number of moles of P₄:

Number of moles = mass/molar mass

Number of moles = 25.0 g/ 123.89 g/mol

Number of moles = 0.20 mol

Number of moles of  O₂:

Number of moles = mass/molar mass

Number of moles = 50.0 g/ 32 g/mol

Number of moles = 1.56 mol

now we will compare the moles of reactants with product:

        P₄          :            P₄O₁₀

         1           :              1

      0.20       :          0.20

      O₂           :         P₄O₁₀

       5            :         1

     1.56         :        1/5×1.56 = 0.312 mol

Less number of moles of product are formed by the oxygen thus it will act as limiting reactant.

false

because it does not have the potential to be entirely used up