1. What is Theoretical Yield?

The theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that can be produced in a chemical reaction based on the amount of limiting reactant. It assumes perfect efficiency and complete conversion of reactants to products.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the theoretical yield equation:

Where:

• Moles of Limiting Reactant — Amount of reactant that will be completely consumed (mol)
• Stoichiometric Ratio — Mole ratio of product to reactant from balanced equation (unitless)
• Molar Mass of Product — Molecular weight of the desired product (g/mol)

Explanation: The calculation first determines the moles of product that can form, then converts this to grams using the product's molar mass.

3. Importance of Theoretical Yield

Details: Theoretical yield is crucial for determining reaction efficiency (actual yield/theoretical yield × 100%), planning chemical syntheses, and calculating material requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter moles of limiting reactant, stoichiometric ratio from balanced equation, and molar mass of product. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between theoretical and actual yield?
A: Theoretical yield is the calculated maximum possible, while actual yield is what you actually obtain in the lab (always ≤ theoretical).

Q2: How do I find the limiting reactant?
A: Compare mole ratios of reactants to the stoichiometric ratio - the reactant with the smallest ratio is limiting.

Q3: What if my actual yield exceeds theoretical?
A: This suggests measurement errors, impure products, or incomplete drying of the product.

Q4: Does this work for all reaction types?
A: Yes, as long as you have a balanced equation and know the limiting reactant.

Q5: How does percent yield relate to this?
A: Percent yield = (actual yield/theoretical yield) × 100%, measuring reaction efficiency.