3.3.9

Percentage Yield

Test yourself

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%:

Illustrative background for Incomplete reactionsIllustrative background for Incomplete reactions ?? "content

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.
Illustrative background for WasteIllustrative background for Waste ?? "content

Waste

  • Some of the chemicals will remain stuck to the apparatus and will be wasted.
Illustrative background for ExtractionIllustrative background for Extraction ?? "content

Extraction

  • It might be difficult to fully separate the product from the reaction mixture.
Illustrative background for Side reactionsIllustrative background for Side reactions ?? "content

Side reactions

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

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium