Which term describes the maximum possible amount of product formed under ideal conditions?

• A. Actual yield
• B. Percent yield
• C. Theoretical yield
• D. Limiting yield

Answer: (C)

The maximum amount of product that can be formed under ideal conditions is the theoretical yield. This represents the amount you'd obtain if the reaction went to completion with perfect purity, no side reactions, and no losses, using the stoichiometry of the balanced equation. To find it, you determine the limiting reagent from the given amounts, convert that reagent’s moles to moles (and then grams) of product using the mole ratio from the equation, and this amount is the theoretical yield. In real experiments, the actual yield is what you actually collect, which is often less due to inefficiencies. Percent yield compares the actual yield to the theoretical yield to quantify the efficiency. The concept tied to the limiting reagent is what caps the possible product, but the standard term for the maximum product under ideal conditions is theoretical yield.