1. What is Percentage Yield?

Percentage yield is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction or process, comparing the actual amount of product obtained to the maximum possible amount (theoretical yield). It's expressed as a percentage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percentage yield formula:

Where:

• Actual Yield — The amount of product actually obtained from the reaction (g)
• Theoretical Yield — The maximum possible amount of product based on stoichiometry (g)

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of the theoretical maximum was actually achieved in the experiment.

3. Importance of Yield Calculation

Details: Percentage yield is crucial for assessing reaction efficiency, optimizing processes, and calculating economic viability in industrial chemistry.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both actual and theoretical yields in grams. Both values must be positive numbers. Theoretical yield should be calculated from stoichiometry first.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good percentage yield?
A: In industry, yields above 90% are excellent, while academic labs often consider 50-70% acceptable. Yields depend on reaction type and conditions.

Q2: Why might percentage yield be less than 100%?
A: Common reasons include incomplete reactions, side reactions, purification losses, and measurement errors.

Q3: Can percentage yield exceed 100%?
A: Normally no. If it does, possible causes include impure product, incorrect theoretical calculation, or measurement errors.

Q4: How is theoretical yield calculated?
A: From stoichiometric ratios in the balanced equation, using the limiting reactant's moles and the product's molar mass.

Q5: What's the difference between yield and purity?
A: Yield measures quantity of product obtained, while purity measures how much of that product is the desired compound versus impurities.