Questions: The limiting reactant can be identified in a chemical reaction because it (A) is always in the greatest amount at the beginning of the reaction (B) is always in the smallest amount at the beginning of the reaction (C) is not completely consumed during the reaction (D) limits the amount of product formed

Solution Steps

The limiting reactant in a chemical reaction is the substance that is completely consumed first, thus limiting the amount of product that can be formed. It determines the maximum amount of product that can be produced in the reaction.

• Option (A): This option states that the limiting reactant is always in the greatest amount at the beginning of the reaction. This is incorrect because the limiting reactant is not necessarily the one in the greatest amount; it depends on the stoichiometry of the reaction.
• Option (B): This option states that the limiting reactant is always in the smallest amount at the beginning of the reaction. This is also incorrect because the limiting reactant is not determined solely by the initial amounts but by the stoichiometric ratios.
• Option (C): This option states that the limiting reactant is not completely consumed during the reaction. This is incorrect because the limiting reactant is the one that is completely consumed.
• Option (D): This option states that the limiting reactant limits the amount of product formed. This is correct because the limiting reactant determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed in the reaction.

Final Answer