What does the term "limiting reactant" refer to?

The term "limiting reactant" specifically refers to the reactant that is completely consumed during a chemical reaction. When a chemical reaction occurs, the reactants combine in specific ratios as dictated by their stoichiometry. The limiting reactant is the one that runs out first, thus stopping the reaction from proceeding further. This is crucial in determining the amount of products that can be formed from the given reactants.

In practical terms, once the limiting reactant is exhausted, no additional product can be formed, regardless of the amounts of the other reactants present. This concept is fundamental in chemistry, as it allows chemists to predict the maximum yield of products based on the initial quantities of the reactants.

This understanding is essential for stoichiometric calculations in any chemical process, and it highlights the importance of identifying the limiting reactant in order to optimize reactant usage and product yield.