Factor(s) that affect percent yield

In summary, the conversation discusses the factors that affect percent yield in a reaction that produces calcium carbonate. The two factors mentioned are theoretical and actual yield, with the latter being influenced by the quantity of chemicals used in the trials. Molarity may also play a role in affecting percent yield.
  • #1
soggybread
20
0
Hi everyone,
For a science lab, I am asked to find the following:

What factor(s) affect percent yield in a reaction which produces calcium carbonate?

We are given a selection of chemicals to use to get the [tex]CaCl_2[/tex] but I have chosen the following:

[tex]CaCl_2 + Na_2CO_3 --> CaCO_3 + 2NaCl[/tex]

We are to do at least 4 trials of changing the grams of [tex]Na_2CO_3 [/tex].
I'm not sure what are the factors that affect % yeild. Would is be Molarity?
Any help would be appreciated,
Chris.
 
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  • #2
anyone? :/
 
  • #3
% yield has two factors, theoretical and actual yield. There should be nothing that varies with your theoretical yield, so it should be your actual yield in the 4 trials that affect your % yield.

EDIT: wait, as long as you 'do not' change the quantity of chemical in your trials, the theoretical yield should not change. But it will vary if you do change the quantities.
 
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1. What is percent yield and why is it important in scientific experiments?

Percent yield is a measure of the efficiency of a chemical reaction or process. It is calculated by dividing the actual yield (the amount of product obtained) by the theoretical yield (the amount of product that should be obtained based on stoichiometric calculations) and multiplying by 100. It is important because it indicates how successful a reaction or process was in producing the desired product, and can help identify any factors that may have affected the yield.

2. What are some common factors that can affect percent yield?

Some common factors that can affect percent yield include impurities in reactants, incomplete reactions due to side reactions, errors in measurement or calculations, and the presence of catalysts or inhibitors. Environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, and humidity can also play a role in percent yield.

3. How can impurities in reactants affect percent yield?

Impurities in reactants can decrease the overall yield by reacting with other substances and forming undesired products, or by interfering with the reaction itself. This can result in a lower actual yield and a lower percent yield compared to the theoretical yield.

4. Why might a reaction have a lower percent yield than expected?

A reaction may have a lower percent yield than expected due to factors such as incomplete reactions, impurities in reactants, loss of product during filtration or transfer, or experimental errors. Additionally, some reactions may have a maximum theoretical yield that cannot be reached under certain conditions.

5. How can the percent yield of a reaction be improved?

To improve the percent yield of a reaction, one can use high purity reactants, optimize reaction conditions such as temperature and pressure, use appropriate catalysts or inhibitors, and minimize experimental errors. Performing multiple trials and using appropriate equipment can also help increase the accuracy and precision of the yield measurements.

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