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yield

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Secondary Information

Definition

Yield is the amount of a desired product obtained from a certain amount of a starting material. It is often expressed as a percentage.

For example, the yield of a crop is the percentage of the total weight of the crop that is edible. The yield of a chemical reaction is the percentage of the starting materials that are converted into the desired product.

Yield can be affected by a number of factors, including the quality of the starting materials, the conditions under which the process is carried out, and the efficiency of the process.

In agriculture, yield is an important measure of the productivity of a farm. Farmers can increase yield by using better seeds, fertilisers, and irrigation.

In industry, yield is an important measure of the efficiency of a process. Engineers can improve yield by optimising the process conditions and using more efficient equipment.

How can the word be used?

The tree yielded a large amount of fruit.

yield

Different forms of the word

Noun: yield (plural: yields).

  • the amount of a crop or product that is produced.
  • the amount of money that is earned from an investment.
  • the amount of force that is required to bend or break something.

Verb: to yield.

  • to give up something.
  • to produce something.
  • to bend or break under force.

Adjective: yielding.

Etymology

The word "yield" comes from the Old English word "gealdan", which means "to pay, to render, to give". The Old English word "gealdan" is related to the Old Norse word "gjalda" and the German word "gewähren".

The word "yield" is first attested in the 13th century. It was originally used in the sense of "to pay a debt or tax".

Question

What might provide a yield?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the concept of yield in the context of chemical reactions. Describe how factors such as reactant quantities and reaction conditions can influence the yield of a reaction.

Answer:

Yield in a chemical reaction refers to the amount of desired product obtained from a reaction, expressed as a percentage of the theoretically calculated maximum yield. It provides insight into the efficiency of the reaction and the effectiveness of the reactants' conversion into the intended product.

Several factors influence the yield of a chemical reaction. Reactant quantities play a critical role; insufficient amounts of reactants may limit the formation of the desired product, leading to a lower yield. Conversely, excessive reactants can lead to wasteful side reactions, reducing the overall yield.

Reaction conditions, such as temperature and pressure, also impact yield. Some reactions are more favourable at specific conditions, and altering these parameters can affect the equilibrium between reactants and products. By adjusting conditions, chemists can optimise the yield of a reaction.

Additionally, the presence of impurities, the use of catalysts, and the removal of products as they form can further influence yield.