Question

When you calculate apercent recovery you may find sometimes that it islarger than 100%. Assuming this is NOT due to errors associated with zeroing the balance, subtracting the weight of the watch glass or weigh paper, or inaccuracies in the balance calibration, suggest a possible reason for this.

Answer 1

Presence of impurities in the product.

Step-by-step explanation:

Laboratory experience has shown that the percent yield obtained from a reaction may be greater than 100% if the product obtained from the reaction contains impurities that causes its mass to be greater than it actually would be if the product was pure.

A typical impurity that may be present in a product is the solvent used. This can be removed by evaporation of the solvent or by washing the product thoroughly.

Reaction of solid products with gases may also increase the percentage yield above 100%.