In the process of creating ammonia (NH3), nitrogen gas (N2 ) is combined with hydrogen gas (H2) that is extracted from hydrocarbons such as methane (CH4) or propane (C3H8) gas. Manufacturers must determine the appropriate amount of each reactant so as to produce the highest yield of product.
The balanced reaction for ammonia is below:
N2+2H3→2NH3

Explain why determining the limiting reactant is important to a manufacturer trying to produce NH3 and the effect of running out of reactant.