Definition of Limiting Reactant



In a chemical reaction, that reactant that gets consumed completely is termed as the limiting reactant. It is also named as limiting reagent and the word limiting signifies that the amount of the product is totally dependent upon the concentration of this reactant. The reaction is unable to proceed if the limiting reactant is fully consumed.

 


On the other hand, those reactants which are left after the completion of the reaction are termed as the excess reactants or reagents. The identification of the limiting reactant is a must in order to estimate the percent yield of the reaction. A balanced chemical equation also helps in the identification of the limiting reagent.

 

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