For a particular set of reaction conditions, the actual yield is the quantity of desired product made in a reaction - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 9 - 2022

To determine the actual yield of a reaction, the following steps can be followed:

1. Experimental Setup: Set up the reaction in a controlled environment, ensuring that all reactants are measured precisely. Use a balance to weigh out solid reactants accurately, and volumetric flasks or pipettes for liquids.

2. Conduct the Reaction: Carry out the reaction according to the balanced chemical equation provided. Ensure that the reaction goes to completion, if possible, by monitoring the changes throughout the process.

3. Isolate the Product: Once the reaction is complete, the desired product must be isolated. For solid products like BaSO₄, filtration can be utilized to separate the solid from the liquid components. For solutions, methods such as evaporation can also be employed.

4. Purification: The isolated product may require purification, using methods such as recrystallization, if necessary, to ensure that the final product is free from impurities.

5. Measurement of Yield: Weigh the purified product using a balance to obtain the actual yield. This should be compared to theoretical yield calculations derived from stoichiometric ratios based on the initial reactants.

6. Calculating Percent Yield: Finally, calculate the percent yield using the formula: ext{Percent Yield} = rac{ ext{Actual Yield}}{ ext{Theoretical Yield}} imes 100

This complete procedure allows for a reliable determination of the actual yield in any chemical reaction.