Untitled - Kelly Walsh High School

2 CHEMISTRY FOR THE UTTERLY CONFUSED
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Chemistry is full of calculations. Our basic goal is to help you develop the knowledge
and strategies you need to solve these problems. In this chapter, you will
review the Metric system and basic problem solving techniques, such as the Unit
Conversion Method. Your textbook or instructor may call this problem solving
method by a different name, such as the Factor-Label Method and Dimensional
Analysis. Check with your instructor or textbook as to for which SI (Metric) prefixes
and SI-English relationships will you be responsible. Finally, be familiar
with the operation of your calculator. (A scientific calculator will be the best for
chemistry purposes.) Be sure that you can correctly enter a number in scientific
notation. It would also help if you set your calculator to display in scientific notation.
Refer to your calculator’s manual for information about your specific brand
and model. Chemistry is not a spectator sport, so you will need to Practice,
Practice, Practice.
1-1 Studying Chemistry
The study of chemistry, like most sciences, involves active participation by the
student. We suggest briefly reading in your textbook the lecture material for the
day, taking good notes in class, perhaps copying those notes as quickly after
class as possible, and then read the material in depth and work problems. This
book is designed to help you grasp the basic concepts and to help you learn how
to work the problems associated with the material. These specific tips will help
you in your study of chemistry.
• Take good, detailed notes in class.
• Strive for understanding, at least by the next class period, not just memorization.
• Study some chemistry every day—long study sessions right before an exam
are not nearly as effective as shorter, regular study sessions that usually take
less overall time.
• Work many, many problems, but again strive for understanding—it is a waste
of time to simply memorize how to do a particular problem; and it is also a
waste of time to simply look over the solution for a problem without striving
to understand why a certain procedure was followed.
• Nomenclature, the naming of chemical compounds, is extremely important.
When the time comes, learn the rules and apply them. Calling a chemical