What formula is used to calculate percent yield?

The formula used to calculate percent yield is a way to assess the efficiency of a chemical reaction by comparing the actual yield of a product to its theoretical yield. The correct formulation for percent yield is determined by taking the actual yield and dividing it by the theoretical yield, then multiplying the result by 100 to express it as a percentage. This approach highlights how much of the expected product was actually obtained in a reaction compared to what was theoretically possible.

In essence, the formula allows you to quantify the performance of the reaction: a percent yield of 100% means that the actual yield equals the theoretical yield, indicating a perfectly efficient reaction without any loss. Lower percent yields indicate inefficiencies, such as incomplete reactions or losses during processing. This relationship is critical in both educational and practical applications within the field of chemistry, as it helps chemists evaluate their procedures and optimize their results.