Which of the following best describes how to determine the theoretical yield in a chemical reaction?

• A. Subtract the mass of reactants from the mass of products.
• B. Divide the actual yield by the percent yield and multiply by 100.
• C. Calculate the maximum amount of product that can be formed from the limiting reactant based on stoichiometry.
• D. Measure the actual amount of product obtained after the reaction is complete.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the theoretical yield is the maximum amount of product that can be formed in a chemical reaction based on the quantities of reactants used.
2. Identify the limiting reactant, which is the reactant that will be completely consumed first and thus limits the amount of product formed.
3. Use the balanced chemical equation to determine the mole ratio between the limiting reactant and the desired product.
4. Calculate the moles of product expected from the moles of limiting reactant using the mole ratio from the balanced equation.
5. Convert the moles of product to mass (if needed) using the molar mass of the product to find the theoretical yield.