A reaction has a percent yield of 60% and a theoretical yield of 25 g. What is the actual yield?

• A. 10 g
• B. 15 g
• C. 20 g
• D. 25 g

Answer: (B)

Percent yield compares how much product you actually obtained to how much could be obtained theoretically. The actual yield equals the percent yield (as a decimal) times the theoretical yield. Here, 60% of 25 g is 0.60 × 25 g = 15 g. So the actual yield is 15 g.

For context, 10 g would correspond to a 40% yield, 20 g to an 80% yield, and 25 g would be a 100% yield. Since the given percent yield is 60%, 15 g is the correct actual yield.