Question

What are some factors that might cause our percent yield to be greater than 100%? What are some factors that might cause it to be less than 100%? Make sure you discuss specific cases of how both might happen.

Answer 1

Percent yields are typically less than 100%, but they can be greater than 100% if there are impurities or errors in measurement. It is important for chemists to purify the products of the reaction to ensure accurate yields.

Step-by-step explanation:

Typically, percent yields are understandably less than 100% because of the reasons indicated earlier. However, percent yields greater than 100% are possible if the measured product of the reaction contains impurities that cause its mass to be greater than it actually would be if the product was pure. When a chemist synthesizes a desired chemical, he or she is always careful to purify the products of the reaction. For example, in the reaction of potassium chlorate decomposition, if the measured mass of the oxygen gas obtained is greater than the theoretical mass, it could indicate the presence of impurities or errors in measurement.

Answer 2

In the field of science, usually, the product of an experiment is computed ahead to understand if it reached a specific objective. It would reach greater than 100% of percent yield if the factors include faster reaction rates; proper handling of the reactants, no outside contaminants, and the procedure of the experiment is followed smoothly. It would reach lesser than 100% percent yield if the experiment is not followed, external factors such as contamination from the environment (wind, moisture, etc).