In chemical reactions, the theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that a chemical reaction can create based on the chemical equation. Most of the reactions are not efficient, which means if you perform the reaction, you’ll end up with a smaller amount than the actual yield. So let’s know how to calculate percent yield correctly.
Before moving ahead, let’s have a look at some of our new posts:
Why is Actual Yield Less Than Theoretical Yield?
The actual yield is the mass of products obtained from the reaction, which is always less than the theoretical yield. So do you know why it is always less than the theoretical yield? Let’s know in detail.
Suppose the yield percent of your reaction is 90%. It means the reaction is 90% efficient, and 10% material failed to react. Thus, in this case, the actual yield is 90%, and the theoretical yield is 100%
The reason for this includes:
- The reaction is incomplete, in which some of the reactants do not react to form the product.
- There is a functional loss like pouring or filtering during the experiment lead to loss of material.
- There can be some side or unwanted reactions that tend to different types of energy loss.
While studying chemistry, you’ll come across a term percent yield, here is a guide on how to calculate percent yield.
What is Percent Yield?
Percent yield is a term to express the efficiency of a reaction; you can calculate the percent yield.
%yield = (actual yield/theoretical yield) x 100
The following are some steps on how to calculate percent yield in chemistry:-
PART 1: Finding the Limiting Reactant
Step 1 – Start with a balanced chemical equation
Step 2 – Calculate the molar mass of each reactant
Step 3 – Convert the amount of each reactant from grams to moles
Step 4 – Find the ratio of your reactants
Step 5 – Find the ideal ratio for the reaction
Step 6 – Compare the ratios to find the limiting reactant
PART 2: Calculating Theoretical Yield
Step 1 – Identify your desired product
Step 2 – Write down the number of moles of your limiting reactant
Step 3 – Find the ratio of molecules in your product and reactant
Step 4 – Multiply the ratio by the reactant’s quantity in moles
Step 5 – Convert the results to grams
PART 3: Calculating Percent Yield
Step 1 – Understand percent yield
Step 2 – Write down the actual yield of the experiment
Step 3 – Divide the actual yield by the theoretical yield
Step 4 – Multiply by 100 to convert to a percentage
Thus you can learn how to calculate percent yield by following the steps mentioned above. If you still have doubts, then you must take experts’ help. For any chemistry homework help, you can rely on us. Our professionals are readily available.
