In a chemical reaction, which of the following components is most likely to be the limiting reagent if a drought affects the availability of resources?

• A. Nitrogen
• B. Carbon dioxide
• C. Water
• D. Oxygen

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the concept of a limiting reagent: In a chemical reaction, the limiting reagent is the substance that is completely consumed first, limiting the amount of products formed.
2. Consider the context of the problem: A drought affects the availability of resources, particularly water, which is crucial for many chemical reactions.
3. Analyze the role of each component in typical reactions: Water is often a solvent or reactant in many biological and chemical processes, and its scarcity can limit these reactions.
4. Compare the availability of each component: During a drought, water becomes less available compared to gases like nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, which are abundant in the atmosphere.
5. Conclude that water is the most likely limiting reagent in this scenario due to its reduced availability during a drought, affecting the overall reaction progress.