1.23 In a reaction

A + B→AB2

Identify the limiting reagent, if any, in the following reaction mixtures.

(i) 300 atoms of A + 200 molecules of B

(ii) 2 mol A + 3 mol B

(iii) 100 atoms of A + 100 molecules of B

(iv) 5 mol A + 2.5 mol B

(v) 2.5 mol A + 5 mol B

A limiting reagent determines the extent of a reaction. 

(i) As per the given reaction, 1 atom of A reacts with 1 molecule of B. Thus, 200 molecules of B will react with 200 atoms of A, thereby leaving 100 atoms of A unused. Hence, B is the limiting reagent.

(ii) As per given the reaction, 1 mole of A reacts with 1 mole of B. Thus, 2 moles of A will react with only 2 moles of B. As a result, 1 mole of A will not be consumed. Hence, A is the limiting reagent.

(iii) According to the given reaction, 1 atom of A combines with 1 molecule of B. Thus, all 100 atoms of A will combine with all 100 molecules of B. Hence, the mixture is stoichiometric where no limiting reagent is present.

(iv) 1 mole of atom A combines with 1 mole of molecule B. Thus, 2.5 moles of B will combine with only 2.5 moles of A. As a result, 2.5 moles of A will be left as such. Hence, B is the limiting reagent.

(v) According to the reaction, 1 mole of atom A combines with 1 mole of molecule B. Thus, 2.5 mole of A will combine with only 2.5 mole of B and the remaining 2.5 mole of B will be left as such. Hence, A is the limiting reagent.