In the reaction 2 AgI + HgI 2 → Ag 2HgI 4, 2.00 g of AgI and 3.50 g of HgI 2 were used. What is the limiting reactant?

AgI I the limiting reactant.

Explanation:

The balanced equation for the reaction is given below:

2AgI + HgI2 → Ag2HgI4

Next, we shall determine masses AgI and HgI2 that reacted from the balanced equation.

This is illustrated below:

Molar mass of Agl = 108 + 127 = 235 g/mol

Mass of AgI from the balanced equation = 2 x 235 = 470 g

Molar mass of HgI2 = 201 + (2x127) = 455 g/mol

Mass of HgI2 from the balanced equation = 1 x 455 = 455 g

From the balanced equation above,

470 g of AgI reacted with 455 g of HgI2.

Finally, we shall determine the limiting reactant as follow:

From the balanced equation above,

470 g of AgI reacted with 455 g of HgI2.

Therefore, 2 g of AgI will react with

= (2 x 455)/470 = 1.94 g of HgI2.

From the calculations made above, we can see that only 1.94 g out of 3.50 g of HgI2 given is needed to react completely with 2 g of AgI.

Therefore, AgI I the limiting reactant.