I have no clue how to even start this, any help is appreciated! A sample of 2.54 moles of iron (III) oxide is reacted with 4.56 moles of carbon monoxide to produce iron metal and carbon dioxide. Using the balanced equation below, predict which is the limiting reactant and the maximum amount in moles of carbon dioxide that can be produced.

Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3Co2

A. Iron (III) Oxide, 7.62 moles

B. Carbon monoxide, 5.34 moles

C. Iron (III) oxide, 2.63 moles

D. Carbon monoxide, 4.56 Moles

Option D. Carbon monoxide, 4.56 Moles

Explanation:

The balanced equation for the reaction is given below:

Fe₂O₃ + 3CO —> 2Fe + 3CO₂

From the balanced equation above,

1 mole of Fe₂O₃ reacted with 3 moles of CO to produce 3 moles of CO₂.

1. Determination of the limiting reactant.

From the balanced equation above,

1 mole of Fe₂O₃ reacted with 3 moles of CO.

Therefore, 2.54 moles of Fe₂O₃ will react with = 2.54 × 3 = 7.62 moles of CO.

From the calculation made above, we can see that it will take higher amount of CO (i.e 7.62 moles) than what was given (i.e 4.56 moles) to react completely with 2.54 moles of Fe₂O₃. Therefore, CO is the limiting reactant and Fe₂O₃ is the excess reactant.

2. Determination of the maximum amount of carbon dioxide CO₂ produced.

In this case, the limiting reactant will be used since all of it is consumed by reaction.

The limiting reactant is CO and the maximum amount of CO₂ produced can be obtained as follow:

From the balanced equation above,

3 moles of CO reacted to produce 3 moles of CO₂.

Therefore, 4.56 moles of CO will also react to produce 4.56 moles of CO₂.

Thus, the maximum amount of CO₂ produced is 4.56 moles

Summary:

Limiting reactant => carbon monoxide, CO

Maximum amount of carbon dioxide, CO₂ produced = 4.56 moles

Thus, option D gives the correct answer to the question.