Limiting Reactant Lab Report

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Rajeev Pathapati Limiting Reactant Lab Chemistry 6th Due: 2/9/12 Introduction: When a chemical reaction occurs, there is usually a limiting reactant. In a chemical reaction, the limiting reactant, also known as the limiting reagent, is the reactant that is totally consumed at the end of a chemical reaction, and is the reactant that limits the amount of product formed. This also results in excess of the other reactant(s). The reaction tested in this experiment was between a Copper (II) Chloride aqueous solution, and Aluminum metal. The purpose of the lab was to determine which reactant was the limiting reactant, and to see how much of the other reactant was used. The true molarity of a compound can be defined as the amount of moles per liter of that substance. The equation of this single displacement chemical reaction done during this lab is 2Al(s) + 3CuCl(aq) → 3Cu (s) + 2AlCl2 (aq). In the reaction, the solid Aluminum replaces the Copper in Copper (II) Chloride to produce solid copper, and Aluminum Chloride. In order to find which reactant is the limiting reactant, an equation based on the molarity of the Copper (II) Chloride may be used, or the products of the reaction may be observed. If the bluish tint of the Copper (II) Chloride fades, or disappears before the Aluminum is completely used to form Aluminum Chloride, then it can be said that the Copper (II) Chloride is the limiting reactant in this reaction. On the other hand, if all of the 1.5 grams of Aluminum pebbles are used to create Aluminum Chloride before the Copper (II) Chloride solution changes color, then it can be said that the Aluminum is the limiting reactant in this reaction. Hypothesis: If 1.5 grams of Aluminum pebbles are placed in 100 ml of 0.25 molarity Copper (II) Chloride aqueous solution in order to determine which of the reactants is the limiting factor, then the Copper (II)

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