Identify the balanced chemical equation and write its stoichiometric coefficients.
Convert each given reactant mass/volume/concentration to moles.
Compute the reaction “mole requirement ratio” for each reactant:
For reactant A: ( frac{n_A}{nu_A} )
For reactant B: ( frac{n_B}{nu_B} )
Determine the limiting reactant as the one with the smallest ( frac{n}{nu} ).
Express the limiting reactant in the chemical formula by stating it as the reactant that is fully consumed (use “limiting” label):
“Limiting reactant: ( text{A} )” (or “( text{B} )”)
Use the limiting reactant’s mole amount to find the maximum possible product moles:
( n_{text{product}} = n_{text{limiting}} times frac{nu_{text{product}}}{nu_{text{limiting}}} )
In the final reaction statement, include only reactants/products in their stoichiometric roles with the limiting reactant identified, e.g.:
“( text{A} ) (limiting) + ( text{B} rightarrow ) products”
If asked to show “limiting reactant in chemical formula” with quantities, write a reaction table/line using the balanced coefficients scaled to the limiting reactant (reactants consumed and products formed).
If excess reactant is needed, label it as “excess” and compute leftover moles:
( n_{text{leftover}} = n_{text{excess, initial}} – n_{text{leftover used}} ) where
( n_{text{excess, used}} = n_{text{limiting}} times frac{nu_{text{excess}}}{nu_{text{limiting}}} )