Question

which choice identifies the correct limiting reactant and correct reasoning? 4coo + o₂ → 2co₂o₃ 24.5 g coo theoretically yields 0.163 mol co₂o₃. 2.58 g o₂ theoretically yields 0.161 mol co₂o₃. coo because it has the higher initial mass; o₂ because it has the lower theoretical yield; coo because it has the higher theoretical yield; o₂ because it has the lower initial mass

Explanation:

To determine the limiting reactant, we compare the theoretical yields of the product (\( \text{Co}_2\text{O}_3 \)) from each reactant. The limiting reactant is the one that produces the smaller amount of product because it will be consumed first and limit the reaction.

• \( \text{CoO} \) yields \( 0.163 \, \text{mol} \) of \( \text{Co}_2\text{O}_3 \).
• \( \text{O}_2 \) yields \( 0.161 \, \text{mol} \) of \( \text{Co}_2\text{O}_3 \).

Since \( 0.161 \, \text{mol} \) (from \( \text{O}_2 \)) is less than \( 0.163 \, \text{mol} \) (from \( \text{CoO} \)), \( \text{O}_2 \) is the limiting reactant because it has the lower theoretical yield. Initial mass (options about "higher initial mass" or "lower initial mass") is not the correct criterion for identifying the limiting reactant; the key is the theoretical yield of the product.

Answer:

O₂ because it has the lower theoretical yield