Question

24. Emergency oxygen supplies aboard aircraft often are generated by the decomposition of sodium chlorate (NaClO3). NaClO3(s) + NaCl(s) + O2(g) Determine the percent yield if the decomposition of 75.0 g sodium chlorate generates 29.45 g of oxygen. (Hint: Check if the chemical reaction is balanced)

The balanced chemical equation is 2 NaClO3 = 2 NaCl + 3 O2

The answer I got for the percent yield was 87%. Is my answer correct?

Answer 1

The balanced equation is : 2 NaClO₃ $\rightarrow$ 2 NaCl + 3 O₂

Moles of NaClO₃ = mass / molar mass = 75 / (23 + 35.5 + 3 * 16) = 0.704 moles

Assuming 100% yield, Moles of O₂ = 3 / 2 * moles of NaClO₃ = 3 / 2 * 0.704 = 1.056 moles

Mass of O₂formed theoretically = Moles * molar mass = 1.056 * 32 = 33.792 g

% yield = mass of O₂ actually formed / theoretical yield * 100 = 29.45 / 33.792 * 100 = 87.15%

Which makes your answer right