In engineering, we often talk about two types of yield: theoretical yield and actual yield. These two numbers usually don’t match up, and there are several reasons for this.
First, let’s talk about side reactions. These are extra reactions that can happen alongside the main one. They use up some of the ingredients (called reactants), which takes them away from making the product we want. In factories, it’s pretty common for these side reactions to create by-products. This means that we end up with less of our desired product.
Next, we have incomplete reactions. Sometimes, not all the reactants get turned into products. Some may still be left over. This is especially true in reactions that can go both ways, where products can change back into reactants.
Another reason for lower yield is loss during processing. When we move, separate, or purify our products, some can get lost along the way. For example, during steps like filtering or evaporating, we might lose some of the product we worked hard to create. This difference between what we calculate (theoretical yield) and what we actually get (actual yield) happens because of these losses.
We also can’t forget about experimental errors. These are mistakes that happen during the experiment, like not measuring things right or not being in the perfect conditions. These errors can also affect our yield and make it hard to predict the results.
To figure out how much difference there is between theoretical yield and actual yield, engineers often use this simple formula:
Understanding why these yields are different is super important. It helps engineers find ways to improve the reactions, so they can get more of the actual yield. By doing this, they can make processes better and save money.
In engineering, we often talk about two types of yield: theoretical yield and actual yield. These two numbers usually don’t match up, and there are several reasons for this.
First, let’s talk about side reactions. These are extra reactions that can happen alongside the main one. They use up some of the ingredients (called reactants), which takes them away from making the product we want. In factories, it’s pretty common for these side reactions to create by-products. This means that we end up with less of our desired product.
Next, we have incomplete reactions. Sometimes, not all the reactants get turned into products. Some may still be left over. This is especially true in reactions that can go both ways, where products can change back into reactants.
Another reason for lower yield is loss during processing. When we move, separate, or purify our products, some can get lost along the way. For example, during steps like filtering or evaporating, we might lose some of the product we worked hard to create. This difference between what we calculate (theoretical yield) and what we actually get (actual yield) happens because of these losses.
We also can’t forget about experimental errors. These are mistakes that happen during the experiment, like not measuring things right or not being in the perfect conditions. These errors can also affect our yield and make it hard to predict the results.
To figure out how much difference there is between theoretical yield and actual yield, engineers often use this simple formula:
Understanding why these yields are different is super important. It helps engineers find ways to improve the reactions, so they can get more of the actual yield. By doing this, they can make processes better and save money.