Jotter

Data/Results
Calculations
Questions
1. For each of the two reactions:
(a) Write a balanced chemical equation.
- CaCl2 (aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) → CaCO3 (s) + 2NaCl(aq)
(b) Determine the limiting reactant.
- Reaction 1: Calcium chloride, CaCl2
- Reaction 2: Sodium carbonate, Na2CO3
(c) Determine the theoretical yield.
- Reaction 1

- Reaction 2

(d) Determine the percent yield of the product.

- Reaction 1

- Reaction 2
2. Was the yield you obtained satisfactory? Justify your answer.
- Yes, because less than 100% yields are obtained and there is always some
small loss. In reaction 1, the loss amount is 18.82% while in reaction 2, the
loss amount is 39.84%.
Discussion
In reaction 1,
CaCl2 (aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) → CaCO3 (s) + 2NaCl(aq)
The concentration given of CaCl2 is 0.5M and Na2CO3 is 1.5M. The volume of CaCl2 is
20mL and Na2CO3 is 10mL. Number of moles is calculated by multiplying the concentration
and the volume to determine the number of moles of reactants present. The number of moles
of CaCl2 is 0.01mol and Na2CO3 is 0.015mol. From the chemical equation, the number of
moles of each reactant is compared with the product (CaCO3) to find mole ratio. From the
calculation, CaCl2 is the limiting reactant because it limits the amount of product (CaCO3)
that forms. The product formed was white precipitate (CaCO3).
Theoretical yields are the amounts of products calculated from the complete reaction of the
limiting reagent. The theoretical yield of product that we get is 1.001g but the actual yield is
0.887g. Percentage yield is calculated by dividing the actual yield with theoretical yield
multiplied by 100%. The percentage yield that we get is 88.61%. The percentage yield is
lower than 100% because the actual yield is less than the theoretical value. This is due to the
incomplete or competing reactions and loss of sample during recovery.
In reaction 2,
CaCl2 (aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) → CaCO3 (s) + 2NaCl(aq)
The concentration given of CaCl2 is 0.5M and Na2CO3 is 1.5M. The volume of CaCl2 is
20mL and Na2CO3 is 5mL. Number of moles is calculated by multiplying the concentration
and the volume to determine the number of moles of reactants present. The number of moles
of CaCl2 is 0.01mol and Na2CO3 is 7.5 x 10-3 mol. From the chemical equation, the number
of each reactant is compared with the product (CaCO3) to find mole ratio. From the
calculation, Na2CO3 is the limiting reactant because it produces smaller amount of product
(CaCO3).
Theoretical yields are the amounts of products calculated from the complete reaction of the
limiting reagent. The theoretical yield of product that we get is 0.7508g but the actual yield is
0.558g. Percentage yield is calculated by dividing the actual yield with theoretical yield
multiplied by 100%. The percentage yield that we get is 74.32%. The percentage yield is
lower than 100% because the actual yield is less than the theoretical value. This is due to the
incomplete or competing reactions and loss of sample during recovery.
Errors in this experiment including the precipitate was left to dry could have contaminated
with dust and reacted with other substances in the air. Incomplete drying also will cause
addition of weight because of the wetness of the solid.
Precautions steps to take in this experiment is the wet filter sheets must be placed in closed
surroundings. Also, the solutions should be mixed properly to ensure that all the particles will
fully decomposed. Next, use the right equipment to get an accurate reading of measurements.
Conclusion
From reaction 1, the limiting reactant is Calcium Chloride, CaCl2 and the excess reactant is
Sodium Carbonate, Na2CO3. The percentage yield of experiment 1 is 88.61%.
From reaction 2, the limiting reactant is Sodium Carbonate, Na2CO3 and the excess reactant
Calcium Chloride, CaCl2. The percentage yield of this experiment 2 is 74.32%.
References
• Theoretical and Actual Yields. (2020, August 16).
https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/31601
• Excess and Limiting Reagents. (2020, August 16).
https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/31600