3.1.16

Percentage Yield

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Percentage Yield

The percentage yield for any reaction is always less than 100%. The following 4 factors make sure the percentage yield of reactions stays below 100%:

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Incomplete reactions

  • An incomplete reaction can happen because:
    • The reaction is very slow and hasn't been given enough time to happen.
    • The reaction is reversible and some of the products have been converted back into reactants.
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Waste

  • Some of the chemicals will remain stuck to the apparatus and will be wasted.
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Extraction

  • It might be difficult to fully separate the product from the reaction mixture.
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Side reactions

  • Unexpected reactions (side reactions) can happen. This may mean that the intended product is not created.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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