MCQ Detailed View

In chemistry, theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that can be formed from a given amount of reactants, assuming the reaction proceeds perfectly without any losses. It is calculated using stoichiometric relationships based on the balanced chemical equation of the reaction.

In real experimental conditions, the actual amount of product (called actual yield) is often lower than the theoretical yield due to incomplete reactions, side reactions, or losses during purification. To measure reaction efficiency, chemists use percentage yield:

Percentage Yield (%)=Actual YieldTheoretical Yield×100\text{Percentage Yield (\%)} = \frac{\text{Actual Yield}}{\text{Theoretical Yield}} \times 100Percentage Yield (%)=Theoretical YieldActual Yield×100

Rearranging this formula to find theoretical yield:

Theoretical Yield=Actual Yield×100%Yield\text{Theoretical Yield} = \frac{\text{Actual Yield} \times 100}{\% \text{Yield}}Theoretical Yield=%YieldActual Yield×100

Given:

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  Actual Yield = 24 g

  
  


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  Percentage Yield = 55%

  
  

Calculation:

Theoretical Yield=24×10055\text{Theoretical Yield} = \frac{24 \times 100}{55}Theoretical Yield=5524×100 Theoretical Yield=240055=43.63 g\text{Theoretical Yield} = \frac{2400}{55} = 43.63 \, \text{g}Theoretical Yield=552400=43.63g

The theoretical yield is 43.6 grams, which matches Option B.

This calculation is a fundamental part of stoichiometry in chemistry, allowing scientists to:

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  Predict the maximum possible output of a reaction

  
  


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  Evaluate the efficiency of laboratory or industrial processes

  
  


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  Identify potential reaction limitations and sources of product loss

  
  

Understanding theoretical yield helps students and chemists connect experimental data with chemical equations, improving accuracy in research, industrial production, and environmental monitoring of chemical processes.