ChemistryGCSE & IGCSEYield & Economy

Atom economy formula

The atom economy formula as it is used in GCSE Chemistry, taken from the GCSE Chemistry formula sheet.

The formula

% atom economy=Mr of desired productMr of all reactants×100\% \text{ atom economy} = \dfrac{M_r \text{ of desired product}}{M_r \text{ of all reactants}} \times 100

How to use it in the exam

  • Write the formula down before substituting — most mark schemes award a method mark for a correct, clearly quoted formula.
  • Check every quantity is in consistent units before you substitute, then substitute in one step so the working stays easy to follow.
  • Show the rearrangement rather than jumping to the answer, and give the final value to the accuracy the question asks for.

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