What happens in a chemical reaction where a limiting reagent is present?

In a chemical reaction that involves a limiting reagent, this particular reactant is consumed completely during the reaction, determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed. Because the limiting reagent runs out first, any other reactants present are in excess and will remain unreacted once the limiting reagent is depleted. This scenario is important in stoichiometry, as it allows chemists to calculate how much of the other reactants will be left unconsumed after the reaction is complete.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the behavior of a limiting reagent. It is not true that all reactants are consumed equally, as one reactant (the limiting reagent) will be used up first. Regarding faster reaction rates, while concentration can affect reaction speed, the presence of a limiting reagent does not inherently speed up the reaction. Finally, the formation of more products than expected does not happen because the limiting reagent dictates the maximum yield based on its initial amount. Thus, the presence of excess reagents leads to some remaining unreacted after the reaction has reached completion.