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:
- Read each problem twice.
- Write down the information that is given (with units/labels).
- Determine what is "wanted" (i.e. the answer).
- Find additional necessary information (conversion factors, molar
masses, etc.).
- Set up solution - check units .
- Solve
- 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:
- Work problems backwards; start with the answer and find the
information originally given.
- Write detailed solutions for problems; describe the rationale for
each step in words.
- Explain problem solutions to a partner.
- 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):
- Multiple Choice
- Numerical Problems
- 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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