What is the limiting reagent in the reaction between 0.366 g of cobalt(II) nitrate and 0.078 g of sodium phosphate?

• A. Sodium phosphate
• B. Cobalt(II) nitrate

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. First, write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between cobalt(II) nitrate and sodium phosphate. The reaction is: \( 3 \text{Co(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2 \text{Na}_3\text{PO}_4 \rightarrow \text{Co}_3\text{(PO}_4\text{)}_2 + 6 \text{NaNO}_3 \).
2. Calculate the molar mass of cobalt(II) nitrate, \( \text{Co(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \). Add the atomic masses of cobalt (Co), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) to find the molar mass.
3. Calculate the molar mass of sodium phosphate, \( \text{Na}_3\text{PO}_4 \). Add the atomic masses of sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and oxygen (O) to find the molar mass.
4. Convert the given masses of cobalt(II) nitrate and sodium phosphate to moles using their respective molar masses. Use the formula: \( \text{moles} = \frac{\text{mass (g)}}{\text{molar mass (g/mol)}} \).
5. Determine the limiting reagent by comparing the mole ratio of the reactants to the coefficients in the balanced equation. The reactant that produces the lesser amount of product is the limiting reagent.