How to Succeed

in

General Chemistry

Attend Class

• Learn material at a consistent, gradual pace.
• Concentrate efforts on more relevant material.
• Review material following lecture.
• Expect lecture to introduce and clarify concepts.

Do Suggested Problems

• Spend at least 30 minutes on Chemistry each day.
• Limit the use of the answer key.
• General Problem Sovling Tips:
  1. Read each problem twice.
  2. Write down the information that is given (with units/labels).
  3. Determine what is "wanted" (i.e. the answer).
  4. Find additional necessary information (conversion factors, molar masses, etc.).
  5. Set up solution - check units .
  6. Solve
  7. Check the answer - DOES IT MAKE SENSE?
• Relate each problem to specific concepts. Why is the answer expected?
• Expect to spend five or more hours per week solving problems.

Seek Help Early!

• Take advantage of coaching sessions.
• Discuss problems with the instructor.
• Work in small groups with classmates.

Prepare for Exams

• Work additional problems.
• To test understanding:
  1. Work problems backwards; start with the answer and find the information originally given.
  2. Write detailed solutions for problems; describe the rationale for each step in words.
  3. Explain problem solutions to a partner.
  4. Relate problem solutions to general concepts.
• Do not expect to see problems from lecture on exams.
• Do not expect to see problems from quizzes on exams.
• Do expect to see a variety of problems on exams including (but not limited to):
  1. Multiple Choice
  2. Numerical Problems
  3. Conceptual Problems (Short anwers, may be based on plots or diagrams)
• Expect exams to be challenging and to take the entire time alloted.

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