Question 17

The term for the reactant that is fully consumed by the reaction is the limiting reactant.

In a chemical reaction, the limiting reactant is the substance that is completely used up when the reaction goes to completion, thus determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed.

A) limiting reactant

This option is correct as the limiting reactant is defined specifically as the reactant that is entirely consumed during the reaction, which restricts the formation of products. It plays a crucial role in stoichiometry as it dictates the amount of product formed based on its initial quantity.

B) reducing agent

This option is incorrect because a reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, causing the reduction of that substance while itself being oxidized. It does not refer to the reactant that is fully consumed.

C) reaction intermediate

This option is incorrect as a reaction intermediate is a species that is formed during the reaction and then consumed in subsequent steps. It is transient and does not represent a reactant that is fully consumed by the end of the reaction.

D) reagent

This option is incorrect because a reagent is a general term for a substance that is used to cause a chemical reaction. It does not specifically indicate whether it is consumed fully or partially in the reaction.

Conclusion

The limiting reactant is the only term that accurately describes the reactant fully consumed in a chemical reaction, making it essential for understanding reaction yield and stoichiometry. Other options such as reducing agent, reaction intermediate, and reagent do not capture this specific definition and therefore are not applicable in this context.