GCSE Chemistry (AQA)

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Atom Economy

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Quantitative chemistry Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions

Atom Economy

8:08 Efficiency of Chemical Reactions
Spec 4.3.3.2
Previous Percentage Yield Next Calculating Theoretical Masses
  • Atom economy measures the amount of starting materials that become useful products.
  • Important for planning reactions to minimize byproducts.
  • Example: Reaction producing a useful solid and unnecessary liquid (water).
  • Atom economy percentage calculated using the balanced equation.
  • Formula: (Relative formula mass of desired product / Sum of relative formula masses of all reactants) x 100.
  • Example calculation with ammonia and oxygen producing nitric acid and water.
  • Nitric acid is the useful product; calculation shows 77.7% atom economy.
  • Reactions with one product have 100% atom economy.
  • Example: Carbon and oxygen making carbon dioxide.
  • Law of conservation of mass ensures all atoms are used in a single product reaction.
  • Practice example: Hydrogen production from coal and steam.
  • Calculation shows 8.3% atom economy, indicating most reactants form CO2 byproduct.
  • High atom economy is crucial for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Low atom economy reactions use more raw materials and produce waste.
  • High atom economy reactions are more efficient and preferable.
  • Near 100% atom economy is ideal, minimizing waste and raw material use.

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