# Zinc reacts with sulfuric acid according to the balanced equation: Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂. A student carries out the reaction using a small amount of zinc powder and a large volume of sulfuric acid solution. Explain why one reactant is described as the limiting reactant in this reaction, identify which reactant is the limiting reactant in this experiment, and explain what effect using the other reactant in excess has on the amount of product formed.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The limiting reactant is the reactant that is completely used up during the reaction.
2. Zinc is the limiting reactant in this experiment.
3. Zinc limits the amount of ZnSO₄ (or H₂) produced because no more product can form once the zinc is used up.
4. The sulfuric acid is in excess, meaning not all of it reacts / some sulfuric acid remains unreacted at the end.
5. Using the sulfuric acid in excess ensures that all of the zinc reacts / ensures the limiting reactant is fully used up.

## Key terms

- [limiting reactant](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/limiting-reactant)
- [excess](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/excess)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/zinc-reacts-with-sulfuric-acid-according-d976fe62) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.