Observation of a Limiting Reagent Lab

NAME:______________________________DATE:_____________PERIOD:_______
Background:
A balanced equation shows the amount of reactants needed to make a
certain amount of products. A reaction with two reactants can have one
reactant in excess amount and the other reactant in limited amounts. The
amount of one reactant used will be based on the amount of the other
reactant present. For example, water can be produced by the following
equation 2H2 + O2 2H2O.
If you have 20 liters of oxygen gas at STP then you would need 40 liters of
hydrogen gas. If you have less than the 40 liters needed then the hydrogen
is the limiting reagent and the oxygen is the excess reagent. If you have
more than 40 liters then the hydrogen is the excess reagent and the oxygen
is the limiting reagent. In this lab the limiting reagent and excess reagent will
be found by a reaction between a strip of magnesium and hydrochloric acid.
Procedure:
1) Obtain the mass of a medium size clean dry test tube.
2) Place a 1-inch strip of magnesium ribbon into the test tube. Then
obtain the mass of the test tube and magnesium.
3) Place the test tube into a test tube rack and add 10.0 milliliters of 3.0
M hydrochloric acid into the test tube. Observe.
4) When the reaction is over dump the test tube contents into the central
waste beaker. Rinse the test tube and return to the rack. Rinse the
graduated cylinder and leave by the test tube rack.
Data:
Mass of test tube
Mass of test tube and magnesium
Mass of magnesium
Volume of acid used
Molarity of acid used

grams
grams
grams
milliliters
Molar

Write a balanced equation for the reaction.

Using the balanced equation, draw the test tube during the reaction. Be very
specific and label all four species from the balanced equation.

Draw the test tube at the end of the reaction. Be very specific and label all
species.

Show all work and label all units!

Box your answer!

Calculations:
1) Moles of magnesium used.

2) Moles of acid used.

(Molarity of Acid) x (Volume of Acid in Liters) = Moles of Acid

3) From the balanced equation, what is the mole ratio of magnesium to

acid?
__________ mole(s) Mg to ____________ moles(s) HCl
4) Moles of magnesium needed, based on the moles of acid used.

5) Moles of acid needed, based on the moles of magnesium used.

6) Based on the calculations in # 4 and # 5, what is the limiting and

excess reagent?
Limiting Reagent ________________
Excess Reagent ________________
7) Using the limiting reagent found above, does the drawing for the end
of the reaction support your calculations? Why or why not?

Practice Problem
A piece of zinc metal weighing .40 grams is placed into 25.0 milliliters of a
1.0 molar hydrochloric acid solution. Find the limiting and excess reagent.
Limiting Reagent ____________ Excess Reagent ____________

Teaching Notes: Observation of a Limiting Reagent

At each lab station:
Test tube rack
Medium size test tube
1 25-mL graduated cylinder
1 stirring rod
At a Central Location:
3 Molar Hydrochloric acid solution
Magnesium Ribbon
Scissors
Rulers
Waste Container: Large Beaker labeled waste
Teaching Tips:
This lab does not need the entire period. Proper dress and goggles are
required and the students should be advised on working with the 3 molar
acid. For additional safety the acid should be placed into a plastic bottle
container and kept under a hood. The students should be instructed to take
their graduated cylinder to the hood and obtain their acid there. This will
keep the acid under the hood and away from individual lab tables. A plastic
bottle will not shatter if accidentally dropped. Students should be advised to
take their test tube and dump the contents into a waste beaker when
finished and then carefully rinse the test tube.
Before doing this lab experiment, students should be able to do basic
stoichiometry problems dealing with finding the limiting reagent and excess
reagent. A follow-up demonstration could be done the next day using three
small flasks (125-mL) with a balloon on top. The three flasks could contain
either vinegar or hydrochloric acid with either an antacid tablet or metal (Mg
or Zn) placed into each. Set up the three flasks in order to have one with the
acid limiting, one with the acid in excess and one exactly meeting the correct
stoichiometry in order not to have a LR or ExR. Then discuss the size of the
balloons in the context of stoichiometric ratios and the amount of gas
product produced. There are two quizzes depending on the level of the
student.
Students should read the conclusion and do the balanced equation under the
data section before being dismissed to the lab area. Students could also be
asked to do the practice problem on the backside of the lab or this could be
done together as a class problem.
Reference: DiSpezio, M.; Hall, T.; Schrader, C.; Young, J.; Heath Chemistry
Laboratory Experiments. D.C. Heath, Lexington, MA; 1987

Observation of a Limiting Reagent

NAME:_______________________________DATE:_____________PERIOD:_______
Background:
A balanced equation shows the amount of reactants needed to make a
certain amount of products. A reaction with two reactants can have one
reactant in excess amount and the other reactant in limited amounts. The
amount of one reactant used will be based on the amount of the other
reactant present. For example, water can be produced by the following
equation 2H2 + O2 2H2O.
If you have 20 liters of oxygen gas at STP then you would need 40 liters of
hydrogen gas. If you have less than the 40 liters needed then the hydrogen
is the limiting reagent and the oxygen is the excess reagent. If you have
more than 40 liters then the hydrogen is the excess reagent and the oxygen
is the limiting reagent. In this lab the limiting reagent and excess reagent will
be found by a reaction between a strip of magnesium and hydrochloric acid.
Procedure:
1) Obtain the mass of a medium size clean dry test tube.
2) Place a 1-inch strip of magnesium ribbon into the test tube. Then obtain
the mass of the test tube and magnesium.
3) Place the test tube into a test tube rack and add 10.0 milliliters of 3.0 M
hydrochloric acid to the test tube. Observe.
4) When the reaction is over dump the test tube contents into the central
waste beaker. Rinse the test tube and return to the rack. Rinse the
graduated cylinder and leave by the test tube rack.
Data:
Mass of test tube
Varies
grams
Mass of test tube and magnesium
Varies
grams
Mass of magnesium
0.027 grams
Volume of acid used
10 milliliters
Molarity of acid used
3.0 Molar
Write a balanced equation for the reaction.
1 Mg (s) + 2 HCl (aq) 1 MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
Using the balanced equation, draw the test tube during the reaction. Be very
specific and label all four species from the balanced equation.
Mg strip with bubbles coming off labeled H2 gas. Aqueous layer labeled HCl
and MgCl2.
Draw the test tube at the end of the reaction. Be very specific and label all
species.

Test tube should have MgCl2 and HCl labeled in an aqueous layer.

Show all work and label all units!

Calculations:
1) Moles of magnesium used.
0.027 grams

1 mole Mg
24.3 grams
2) Moles of acid used.
M x L = moles

= 0.0011 moles Mg
3.0 M x .010 L = 0.03 moles HCl

3) From the balanced equation, what is the mole ratio of magnesium to

acid?
____1______ mole(s) Mg to _____2_______ moles(s) HCl
4) Moles of magnesium needed, based on the moles of acid used.
0.03 moles HCl

1 mole Mg
2 mole HCl

= 0.015 moles Mg

5) Moles of acid needed, based on the moles of magnesium used.

0.0011 moles Mg

2 moles HCl
1 mole Mg
= 0.0022 moles HCl

6) Based on the calculations in # 4 and # 5, what is the limiting and

excess reagent?
Limiting Reagent Magnesium (Mg)
Excess Reagent
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
7) Using the limiting reagent found above, does the drawing for the end
of the reaction support your calculations? Why or why not?
Yes the picture does not show the LR which runs out during the
reaction.
Practice Problem:
A piece of zinc metal weighing .40 grams is placed into 25.0 milliliters of a
1.0 molar hydrochloric acid solution. Find the limiting and excess reagent.
Limiting Reagent ___Zn_________ Excess Reagent ____HCl________
2 HCl(aq) + 1 Zn(s) 1 ZnCl2 (aq) + 1 H2 (g)
M x L = moles
1.0 M x .025 L = 0.025 moles HCl
0.40 grams
1 mole Zn
65.4 grams
= 0.0061 moles Zn
HAVE
0.025 mol HCl
1 mole Zn

2 mole HCl

= 0.0125 mole Zn NEEDED

Observation of a Limiting Reagent Quiz

NAME:______________________________DATE:_____________PERIOD:_______
1.

Which two products were formed when hydrochloric acid and magnesium
reacted in the Observation of a Limiting Reagent lab?
a. hydrochloric acid & magnesium
b. hydrogen gas & magnesium
c. hydrogen gas & magnesium chloride

2.

Which type of reaction was seen in the Observation of a Limiting

Reagent lab?
a. SR
b. DR
c. IC
d. CC
e. S

For questions 3-8, a student reacts 130.8 grams of zinc metal with 500 mL
of 2 M hydrochloric acid, using the following balanced equation.
moles
liter
Remember, for a liquid, M x L = moles or M =
.
Zn + 2 HCl ZnCl2 + H2
3.

How many moles of zinc does the student have?

a. 2.0 mol
b. 1.0 mol c. 0.5 mol d. 13 mol e. none of these

4.

How many moles of HCl does the student have?

a. 1000 mol b. 100 mol c. 10 mol d. 1 mol
e. none of these

5.

How many moles of zinc does the student need?

a. 2.0 mol
b. 1.0 mol c. 0.5 mol d. 130.8 moles

6.

Which is the limiting reactant?

a. zinc
b. hydrochloric acid
hydrogen

e. none of these

c. zinc chloride

d.

7.

How many liters of hydrogen gas can be produced?

a. 11.2 L
b. 22.4 L c. 44.8 L d. 224 L
e. none of these

8.

How many moles of the excess reactant will be left over?

a. 0.5 mol
b. 1.0 mol c. 1.5 mol d. 2 mol
e. none of these

Observation of a Limiting Reagent Quiz Answer Key

NAME:______________________________DATE:_____________PERIOD:_______
1) Which two products were formed when hydrochloric acid and magnesium
reacted in the Observation of a Limiting Reagent lab?
a. hydrochloric acid & magnesium
b. hydrogen gas &
magnesium
c. hydrogen gas & magnesium chloride
2) Which type of reaction was seen in the Observation of a Limiting
Reagent lab?
a. SR
b. DR
c. IC
d. CC
e. S
For questions 3-8, a student reacts 130.8 grams of zinc metal with 500 mL
of 2 M hydrochloric acid, using the following balanced equation.
moles
liter
Remember, for a liquid, M x L = moles or M =
.
Zn + 2 HCl ZnCl2 + H2
3) How many moles of zinc does the student have?
a. 2.0 mol
b. 1.0 mol c. 0.5 mol d. 13 mol e. none of these
4) How many moles of HCl does the student have?
a. 1000 mol b. 100 mol c. 10 mol d. 1 mol
5) How many moles of zinc does the student need?
a. 2.0 mol b. 1.0 mol
c. 0.5 mol
none of these

e. none of these

d. 130.8 moles

e.

6) Which is the limiting reactant?

a. zinc b. hydrochloric acid c. zinc chloride

d. hydrogen

7) How many liters of hydrogen gas can be produced?

a. 11.2 L
b. 22.4 L c. 44.8 L d. 224 L

e. none of these

8) How many moles of the excess reactant will be left over?

a. 0.5 mol
these

b. 1.0 mol c. 1.5 mol

d. 2 mol

e. none of

Observation of a Limiting Reagent Quiz

NAME:______________________________DATE:_____________PERIOD:_______
1) Which two products were formed when hydrochloric acid and magnesium
reacted in the Observation of a Limiting Reagent lab?
a. hydrochloric acid & magnesium
b. hydrogen gas & magnesium
c. hydrogen gas & magnesium chloride
2) Which type of reaction was seen in the Observation of a Limiting
Reagent lab?
a. SR
b. DR
c. IC
d. CC
e. S
For questions 3-8, a student reacts 130.8 grams of zinc metal with 500 mL
of 2 M hydrochloric acid.
3) How many moles of zinc does the student have?
a. 2.0 mol
b. 1.0 mol c. 0.5 mol d. 13 mol e. none of these
4) How many moles of HCl does the student have?
a. 1000 mol b. 100 mol c. 10 mol d. 1 mol

e. none of these

5) How many moles of zinc does the student need?

a. 2.0 mol
b. 1.0 mol c. 0.5 mol d. 130.8 mol e. none of these
6) Which is the limiting reactant?
a. zinc
b. hydrochloric acid
hydrogen

c. zinc chloride

7) How many liters of hydrogen gas can be produced?

a. 11.2 L
b. 22.4 L c. 44.8 L d. 224 L

d.

e. none of these

8) How many moles of the excess reactant will be left over?

a. 0.5 mol
b. 1.0 moles
c. 1.5 mol d. 2 mol
e. none of these

Observation of a Limiting Reagent Lab Make-up

NAME:______________________________DATE:_____________PERIOD:_______
Background:
A balanced equation shows the amount of reactants needed to make a
certain amount of products. A reaction with two reactants can have one
reactant in excess amount and the other reactant in limited amounts. The
amount of one reactant used will be based on the amount of the other
reactant present. For example, water can be produced by the following
equation 2H2 + O2 2H2O.
If you have 20 liters of oxygen gas at STP then you would need 40 liters of
hydrogen gas. If you have less than the 40 liters needed then the hydrogen
is the limiting reagent and the oxygen is the excess reagent. If you have
more than 40 liters then the hydrogen is the excess reagent and the oxygen
is the limiting reagent. In this lab the limiting reagent and excess reagent will
be found by a reaction between a strip of magnesium and hydrochloric acid.
Procedure:
1) Obtain the mass of a medium size clean dry test tube.
2) Place a 1-inch strip of magnesium ribbon into the test tube. Then obtain
the mass of the test tube and magnesium.
3) Place the test tube into a test tube rack and add 10.0 milliliters of 3.0 M
hydrochloric acid into the test tube. Observe.
4) When the reaction is over dump the test tube contents into the central
waste beaker. Rinse the test tube and return to the rack. Rinse the
graduated cylinder and leave by the test tube rack.
Data:
Mass of test tube
Mass of test tube and magnesium
Mass of magnesium
Volume of acid used
Molarity of acid used

20.000 grams
20.027 grams
grams
10
milliliters
3
Molar

Write a balanced equation for the reaction.

Using the balanced equation, draw the test tube and label where all four
species would be during the reaction.

Using the limiting and excess reagent calculated on the back draw the test
tube and species that would be present at the end of the reaction.

Show all work and label all units!

Box your answer!

Calculations:
1) Moles of magnesium used.

2) Moles of acid used.

(Molarity of Acid) x (Volume of Acid in Liters) = Moles of Acid

3) From the balanced equation, what is the mole ratio of magnesium to acid?
__________ mole(s) Mg to ____________ moles(s) HCl
4) Moles of magnesium needed, based on the moles of acid used.

5) Moles of acid needed, based on the moles of magnesium used.

6) Based on the calculations in # 4 and # 5, what is the limiting and excess

reagent?
Limiting Reagent ________________
Excess Reagent ________________
7) Using the limiting reagent found above, does the drawing for the end of
the reaction support your calculations? Why or why not?

Practice Problem
A piece of zinc metal weighing .40 grams is placed into 25.0 milliliters of a
1.0 molar hydrochloric acid solution. Find the limiting and excess reagent.
Limiting Reagent ____________ Excess Reagent ____________

Observation of a Limiting Reagent Problem Activity

NAME:______________________________DATE:____________PERIOD:_______
What does the word antacid mean? What are some commercial brand
antacid tablets? Why do people take antacid tablets?
Problem: Can the effectiveness of antacid medication be measured by
observation of a limiting or excess reagent reagent?
Procedure:
1) Obtain three 250-mL beakers and place 50.0 mL of vinegar into each
beaker.
2) Add 10.0-mL of red cabbage juice indicator or universal indictor to each
beaker.
3) Add 1 tablet of different antacids to each beaker. Observe.
Information:
Red cabbage juice indicator is red to rose color in acidic conditions, purple in
neutral and goes from blue-green-yellow as basic conditions increase.
Universal indicator: See chart for color match and pH
Data Table & Observations:

Conclusion/Explanation:

Research Questions: Why are there so many different antacid

medications? Are there advantages or disadvantages of taking one type of
antacid tablet as compared to a different type of antacid tablet?