AQA · Chemistry · 8462
GCSE Chemistry: Limiting reactants
Quantitative chemistry · AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462), specification point 4.3.2.4. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Limiting reactants", and every card links back to the page it came from. Higher tier only. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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What is a limiting reactant?
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The reactant that is completely used up in a reaction, because it limits the amount of product that can form.
The reactant that is completely used up in a reaction is called the ? reactant.
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limiting
Why is one reactant usually added in excess in a two-reactant reaction?
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To ensure that all of the other reactant is completely used up.
Why does the limiting reactant control the amount of product formed?
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Once it is completely used up the reaction stops, so no more product can form even if the other reactant remains.
What is the reactant that is NOT completely used up in a reaction called?
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The reactant in excess.
How does the amount of limiting reactant affect the amount of product obtained?
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The amount of product is directly proportional to the amount of limiting reactant — doubling the limiting reactant (in moles or grams) doubles the product.
In which two units can the effect of a limiting reactant on product yield be expressed?
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Amounts in moles, or masses in grams.
If the reactant in excess is increased, what happens to the amount of product formed?
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Nothing — the product amount is fixed by the limiting reactant, not the reactant in excess.
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