Question

Suppose a student did not fully redissolve the Al(OH)3 that initially formed upon the addition of H2SO4. Predict and explain how this would impact the apparent percent yield this student determines.

Answer 1

Percent yield is the measured recovery of a substance in grams divided by the theoretical amount of substance expected in grams (times 100 to convert to %). Undissolved Aluminum trihydroxide would add mass to the Aluminum sulphate one is making here. The measured mass would be inaccurately high, increasing the percent yield calculated.