Limiting Reactant Calculator

The Limiting Reactant Calculator helps users determine the limiting reactant, excess reactant, and excess amount in a chemical reaction based on provided moles and stoichiometric coefficients of the reactants.

Use Our Limiting Reactant Calculator

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Limiting Reactant Calculator

This guide will help you navigate through the Limiting Reactant Calculator. By following these steps, you’ll be able to determine the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction.

Step 1: Select Compounds

  • Compound A:

    • Select the first compound involved in the reaction. You have the following options: Hydrogen (H₂), Oxygen (O₂), Nitrogen (N₂), Methane (CH₄), and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂).

  • Compound B:

    • Select the second compound. Choose from the same options available for Compound A.

Step 2: Input Moles

  • Moles of Compound A:

    • Enter the number of moles present for the selected Compound A. Ensure the value is greater than or equal to 0.000001 and use increments of 0.000001.

  • Moles of Compound B:

    • Input the moles for Compound B. Follow the same restrictions and increment values as used for Compound A.

Step 3: Provide Stoichiometric Coefficients

  • Stoichiometric Coefficient of A:

    • Enter the coefficient from the balanced chemical equation for Compound A. This value must be between 1 and 20, inclusive.

  • Stoichiometric Coefficient of B:

    • Similarly, provide the coefficient for Compound B, ensuring it also falls between 1 and 20.

Step 4: Review the Results

  • Moles A / Coefficient A:

    • The calculator will compute this ratio and display it to four decimal places.

  • Moles B / Coefficient B:

    • This ratio will also be shown to four decimal places.

  • Limiting Reactant:

    • The calculator identifies which of the two compounds is the limiting reactant, indicated by the compound specified with its prefix.

  • Excess Reactant:

    • Additionally, the calculator determines which compound is in excess.

  • Excess Amount (moles):

    • The calculator provides the amount of excess moles, formatted to four decimal places and followed by the unit ‘moles.’

  • Theoretical Yield Percentage:

    • This figure represents the efficiency of the reaction, calculated as a percentage and displayed with two decimal precision.

By following these steps, you’ll fully utilize the Limiting Reactant Calculator’s potential in determining the details of chemical reactions involving the chosen compounds.