Actual Yield vs theoretical yield [ENDORSED]

[RJ Lopez 2l]

When finding the theoretical yield after calculating the molar masses, do I use the balanced reaction you find or the initial equation given in the problem before converting the product into grams?

Thank you

[Benjamin Nguyen 1J]

You would use the balanced reaction because that would give you the correct mole ratio.

[Abhinav Amanaganti 3K]

In general, you always want to use the balanced chemical equation for every problem to ensure that total mass of reactants equals total mass of products so that your answer does not yield an unrealistic value.

[Erika Li 1E]

You would need to use the balanced chemical equation because it gives you the stoichiometric relations between the reactants and products. From the balanced equation, you can determine the limiting reactant and calculate the maximum yield of product (theoretical yield) based on the limiting reactant.

[April Pazos 3D]

Always use the balanced equation to get the most accurate yield.

[Sidharth Paparaju 3B]

When finding the theoretical yield after calculating the molar masses, do I use the balanced reaction you find or the initial equation given in the problem before converting the product into grams?

Thank you

Always use the balanced equation since it will give you the correct molar ratio. The balanced equation tells how much of each substance is needed, which would allow us to actually determine how much product can be formed.

[Emily Widjaja 3A]

Always use the balanced chemical equation :)

[Ishpreet Kaur 3C]

Is there ever a case where we won't need the balanced equation to calculate actual/theoretical yield? As in, is there some sort of other information we can use in our process to find both kinds of yield?

[Benicio Rivera 1F]

Use the balance equation to get the correct mole ratio and to not mess up any calculations as it is the equation that matches your sample.

[Cassidy Chiong 2J]

Always use the balanced equation since it shows the correct mole ratio! Not using an unbalanced chemical equation would go against the law of conservation of mass since it would result in either a greater or lesser final mass.

[Michelle Argueta 1E]

You would use the balanced chemical equation to accurately use mole ratios to get to your answer; using the unbalanced chemical equation will lead you to an incorrect total mass.