Answer: C10H8 is the limiting Reactant
Explanation:
Ok, before delving into this question let us take some definitions.
WHAT IS A LIMITING REACTANT?
A limiting Reactant is also called a limiting reagent. From the English word ''limiting' that is setting a limit, a boundary to something. Thus, in Chemistry, a limiting reagent can be defined as the chemical substance (in a chemical reaction) that determines how much a chemical reaction can go on to generate product(s).
What is an Excess Reactant: an Excess Reactant is the excessive reactants in any chemical equation. Let just say, it is the opposite of a limiting reagent.
With all these been said, let us write down the balanced chemical equation of the reaction;
C10H8 + 12 O2 --------> 10 CO2 + 4H2O.
From the Chemical reaction above, we can see that one mole of C10H8 reacts with 10 moles of Oxygen,O2 to give 10 moles of Carbondioxide, CO2 and 4 moles of water,H2O.
After using 1 mole From C10H8 the reaction should likely come to an end. If one mole of C10H8 reacts completely with one mole of O2, means that there will be an EXCESS OF 11 moles. Thus, the LIMITING REAGENT/REACTANT IS C10H8.