Actual yield

Definition

Actual yield is the quantity of product actually obtained from a chemical reaction. It is often measured in grams or moles and is usually less than the theoretical yield due to various practical limitations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Actual yield can be affected by factors such as incomplete reactions, side reactions, and loss of product during recovery.
2. It is essential for calculating percent yield, which compares actual yield to theoretical yield.
3. Unlike theoretical yield, actual yield must be determined experimentally.
4. The difference between actual and theoretical yields helps identify inefficiencies in a reaction process.
5. In laboratory settings, achieving an actual yield close to the theoretical yield indicates a well-conducted experiment.

Review Questions

• What factors can cause the actual yield to be less than the theoretical yield?
• How is actual yield determined in a laboratory setting?
• Why is it important to compare actual yield with theoretical yield using percent yield?

Related terms

Theoretical Yield:

The maximum amount of product that could be formed from given reactants, assuming complete conversion without any losses.

Percent Yield:

A measure of the efficiency of a reaction, calculated as $(\text{actual \;yield} / \text{theoretical \;yield}) \times 100\%$.

Limiting Reactant:

The substance that is completely consumed first in a chemical reaction, thus limiting the amount of product formed.