A limiting Reagent Problem: Check My work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a limiting reagent problem involving the combustion of propane (C3H8) and oxygen (O2). Participants explore the calculations necessary to determine the limiting reagent in a given mixture and the mass of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced from a specific amount of propane. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and application of stoichiometry in chemical reactions.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster calculates the moles of C3H8 and O2 and concludes that C3H8 is the limiting reagent, but expresses doubt about this conclusion.
  • One participant suggests converting to moles first and dividing by the coefficients to identify the limiting reactant, stating that O2 is the limiting reactant instead.
  • Another participant echoes this method and agrees that O2 is the limiting reactant, expressing frustration with the educational approach that emphasizes memorization over understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding which reactant is the limiting reagent, with the original poster asserting C3H8 is limiting, while others argue that O2 is the limiting reactant based on their calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects differing methods of calculating limiting reagents and highlights the potential for misunderstanding in stoichiometric calculations. There are unresolved aspects regarding the calculations presented by the original poster and the subsequent responses.

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Problem: combustion of propane, C3H8

C3H8 (g) + 5O2 (g) --- 3 CO2 (g) + 4H2O (l)

if propane reacts with oxygen as above
(a) what is the limiting reagent in a mixture containing 5.00 g of C3H8 and 10.0 g of C3H8 of O2?
(b) what mass of CO2 is formed when 1.00 g of C3H8 racts completely?

My Approach:

(a) 5.00g C3H8 x (1mol C3H8/ 44g C3H8) = .114 mol C3H8
10.0g O2 x (1mol C3H8/ 32g O2) = .313 mol O2

C3H8 is limiting

(b) 1.00g C3H8 x (1 mol C3H8/ 44g C3H8) x (3mol CO2/ 1mol C3H8) x (44g CO2/ 1 mol CO2) = 3.00g CO2

I'm kinda doubting my answer on the limiting reagent part...can someone explain it to me if I am wrong?
 
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convert to moles first, and then divide by the coefficients. the smaller number indicates which one is the limiting reactant.

So [tex]O_{2}[/tex] is the limiting reactant
 
Last edited:
courtrigrad said:
convert to moles first, and then divide by the coefficients. the smaller number indicates which one is the limiting reactant.

So [tex]O_{2}[/tex] is the limiting reactant

great tip thanks!
they skip that kinda approach in college...it's all memorization! i hate it...
 

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