Find theoretical yield from a balanced equation

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    Theoretical Yield
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the theoretical yield of nitrogen gas (N2) from a balanced chemical equation involving sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and sulfanilamide (HSO3NH2). Participants explore methods to determine the theoretical yield based on the limiting reactant and the experimental data collected.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how to find the theoretical yield from a balanced equation, specifically for the reaction NaNO2 + HSO3NH2.
  • Another participant outlines steps to determine the theoretical yield, including finding the number of moles of each reactant, identifying the limiting reactant, and calculating the expected moles of product.
  • A participant confirms that NaNO2 is the limiting reactant and calculates its moles based on a given mass, expressing uncertainty about calculating the theoretical yield of N2.
  • One participant asserts that if NaNO2 is the limiting reactant, the theoretical yield of N2 is 0.0016 moles.
  • Another participant describes their experimental setup for measuring the volume of N2 gas produced and mentions using the ideal gas law to find moles of N2.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of calculating the theoretical yield based on the mass of NaNO2 used and suggests a method for calculating the percent yield.
  • One participant reports successfully calculating their percent yield as approximately 97% after following the advice given in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method for calculating theoretical yield and percent yield, but there is some uncertainty regarding the specific calculations and assumptions involved. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the exact theoretical yield calculation process.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of confidence in their calculations and understanding of the theoretical yield concept. Some steps in the calculations are not fully detailed, and assumptions about the efficiency of the reaction are implied but not explicitly stated.

g-tar-man
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I searched and wasn't able to find what I was looking for. I need to find the theoretical yield so I can find the percent yield, which I know how do to. I just can't remember how to find theoretical yield from a balanced equation. My equation which I believe to be correct is NaNO2+HSO3NH2=NaHSO4+H20+N2. Could you let me know what I need to do, thanks.
 
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NaNO_{2} + HSO_{3}NH_{2} \rightarrow NaHSO_{4}+H_{2}O+N_{2}

Find the number of moles of each starting material
Determine the limiting reactant
Calculate the moles of product expected if the yield was 100% based on the limiting reactant
Convert moles to grams
 
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Ok I determined the moles of NaNO2 and determined that was the limiting reactant, I think. Because I was given the mass of NaNO2 to be .1120g I figured that to be .0016mol NaNO2. I'm not sure how to calculate the theoretical yield of N2 in mols. I also found mol N2 collected to be .00156 mol.
 
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If NaNO_{2} is the limiting reactant, than the theoretical yield of N_{2} is 0.0016 moles.
 
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I just need to find the theoretical yield of N2 in moles. I used the equation n=pv/rt to find mol N2, if that helps. We basically measured the volume of N2 gas by causing a reaction inside a test tub. When the gas was produced from the test tube the volume in the buret dropped and we moved a tube with a funnel and water down the buret to keep the pressure equal.
 
g-tar-man said:
I just need to find the theoretical yield of N2 in moles. I used the equation n=pv/rt to find mol N2, if that helps. We basically measured the volume of N2 gas by causing a reaction inside a test tub. When the gas was produced from the test tube the volume in the buret dropped and we moved a tube with a funnel and water down the buret to keep the pressure equal.
You've been given the theoretical yield of N2, and you know the actual yield from the experiment.

Percent yield = (Actual yield / Theoretical yield) x 100%

You can calculate this using moles.
 
g-tar-man said:
Ok I determined the moles of NaNO2 and determined that was the limiting reactant, I think. Because I was given the mass of NaNO2 to be .1120g I figured that to be .0016mol NaNO2. I'm not sure how to calculate the theoretical yield of N2 in mols. I also found mol N2 collected to be .00156 mol.
Firstly, ignore that you are trying to find out the percentage yield. This, it would seem, is changing the meaning of your question so much that you are not understanding.

I assume either you or a book reacted 0.1120g of NaNO2 and then, experimentally or because the book said so, you got a value for the amount of N2 created.

Now, just work out the mass of N2 created from 0.1120g, assuming the reaction is 100% efficient. This will give you the theoretical yield.

After this, take the value of N2 you actually got and divide it by the value you just calculated (but obviously with the same units). Then multiply by 100 to get your percentage yield.

I hope that all of the explanations have put a different light on the problem and that you start to understand it in your own way :biggrin:

I hope this helps.

The Bob (2004 ©)
 
Yes thanks, I was able to finish it this morning. I think I got the percent yield to be around 97%. So not to bad I guess. Thanks for your help. Sorry about posting in the wrong section. It just seemed like the right place to put it.
 

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