Final answer:
The yield of a chemical reaction is often less than 100% due to incomplete reaction conversion and impurities in reactants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The yield of a chemical reaction is often less than 100% due to several factors.
Two common reasons for a less than 100% yield are:
- Incomplete reaction conversion: This happens when not all of the reactants are converted into product. It could be due to unfavorable reaction conditions or an inefficient catalyst.
- Impurities in reactants: If the reactants used in the reaction are impure, it can affect the yield. Impurities can interfere with the reaction or contribute to the formation of unwanted byproducts.