Balancing Equations and Limiting Reactants
Balancing equations using masses follows a simple pattern: convert masses to moles, find the smallest number, then divide everything by it. If you don't get whole numbers, multiply everything until you do.
The limiting reactant is like the weakest link in a chain - it runs out first and stops the whole reaction. Think of it like making sandwiches: if you have 10 slices of bread but only 3 pieces of ham, you can only make 3 sandwiches (ham is your limiting reactant).
When calculating product masses, follow these steps: write the balanced equation, work out the RFMs, convert your known mass to moles, use the equation ratios to find moles of product, then convert back to mass.
Remember: The amount of product you get depends entirely on your limiting reactant - double it, and you'll double your product!