What is theoretical percent?
This percentage isn't based on numbers of atoms, but on the total mass of the element relative to the mass of the compound. Another way to understand theoretical percent is in the context of a chemical reaction. In any reaction, the total molar mass of each element involved in the reaction must be conserved.
How do you calculate the theoretical percent of a compound?
Once you know the mass of the compound, you calculate the theoretical percent of each element by dividing the atomic mass of that element – multiplied by the subscript that follows it in the formula – by the mass of the compound and multiplying by 100. Example: What is the theoretical percent of carbon in methane (CH 4 )?
How do you calculate the percentage of an element?
To calculate the theoretical percentage of an element in a compound, divide the molar mass of the element by the mass of the compound and multiply by 100. In a chemical reaction, the percent yield of a product is its actual yield divided by its theoretical yield and multiplied by 100.
How do you convert a percentage to a percent?
However, if solving for the percentage, the value returned will be the actual percentage, not its decimal representation. If solving manually, the formula requires the percentage in decimal form, so the solution for P needs to be multiplied by 100 in order to convert it to a percent.
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