Question

(a) which is the limiting reactant when 0.300 mol co and 0.400 mol fe₃o₄ are allowed to react? balanced eq molar mass or atomic mass ? g fe = 0.300 mol co x ________________ x ______________ = g fe ? g fe = 0.400 mol fe₃o₄ x ______________ x ________________ = g fe

Explanation:

Step1: Write the balanced chemical equation

The reaction between $CO$ and $Fe_3O_4$ is $Fe_3O_4 + 4CO=3Fe + 4CO_2$.

Step2: Calculate the moles of $Fe$ produced from $CO$

From the balanced - equation, the mole - ratio of $CO$ to $Fe$ is $4:3$. Given $n_{CO}=0.300$ mol. The moles of $Fe$ produced from $CO$ is $n_{Fe - from - CO}=0.300\ mol\ CO\times\frac{3\ mol\ Fe}{4\ mol\ CO}=0.225$ mol.

Step3: Calculate the moles of $Fe$ produced from $Fe_3O_4$

The mole - ratio of $Fe_3O_4$ to $Fe$ is $1:3$. Given $n_{Fe_3O_4}=0.400$ mol. The moles of $Fe$ produced from $Fe_3O_4$ is $n_{Fe - from - Fe_3O_4}=0.400\ mol\ Fe_3O_4\times\frac{3\ mol\ Fe}{1\ mol\ Fe_3O_4}=1.20$ mol.

Step4: Determine the limiting reactant

The reactant that produces the least amount of product is the limiting reactant. Since $CO$ produces less $Fe$ (0.225 mol) compared to $Fe_3O_4$ (1.20 mol), $CO$ is the limiting reactant.

Answer:

$CO$ is the limiting reactant.