A simple pedagogical limiting reactant kitchenette experiment including a simple algorithm

Abstract

Limiting reactants is a crucial factor in any reaction. Students found it a tricky topic. The current study has intended to conduct a kitchenette experiment, in which a student will follow the instructional procedure to determine a limiting reactant in a self-learning process. The study has adopted an experimental approach. A program was developed in C++ as an efficient tool to determine the limiting reactant. The major outcomes drawn from the study have enlightened the significance of a balanced equation in obtaining the correct molar ratio. It has also been noted that molar ratio similarity in a particular balanced equation can wrongly lead to an erroneous assumption.

Keywords

• algorithm
• freshman/sophomore (age group 18–20)
• kitchenette experiment
• limiting reactant