limiting reagent is like ingredient in short supply in a cafeteria

Categories: Comparisons

An example of a teaching analogy:

"The action of a limiting reactant to determine the extent to which a reaction takes place is like producing meals at a cafeteria. When you run out of chicken pieces, no more chicken dinners can be produced, even though there might be a good supply of mashed potatoes and vegetables…the other 'reactants'."

Source: Murray Hart, retired science teacher, previously posted at scienceanalogies.com

Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available! When you run out of vegetable samosas…

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Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.