Question

1. For a 1:1 reaction, how can you determine whether the molar quantity of one of the reactants will act to limit the product yield?
2. For a non 1:1 reaction, such as the one that occurs between sodium and oxygen, how can you determine whether the molar quantity of one of the reactants will act to limit the product yield?

Answer 1

1. The reactant with the smaller molar quantity available will act to limit the product yield for a 1:1 reaction.
2. The reactant with the available quantity that is less than the needed amount will act to limit the product yield for a non 1:1 reaction.