The main differences between actual yield and theoretical yield is that theoretical yield is the calculated maximum potential product mass, while actual yield is the real-world mass produced in a chemical reaction.
Actual Yield vs Theoretical Yield
Here are the main differences between Actual Yield and Theoretical Yield:
| Characteristic | Actual Yield | Theoretical Yield |
| Definition | Amount obtained in a chemical reaction | Amount calculated from a balanced equation |
| Relationship | Always less than theoretical yield | Always greater than actual yield |
| Factors Affecting Yield | Reversible reactions, side reactions, loss during separation | No side reactions, complete conversion |
| Source of Losses | Reversible reactions, side reactions, separation losses | None (calculated theoretically) |
| Nature | Experimental term | Theoretical term |
| Assumptions | Reflects real-world conditions | Idealized conditions |