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General Chemistry
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Problem Solving Tips
Problem solving is one of the more challenging aspects of the general
chemistry course. Follow these steps for assistance in finding the
answer!
Read each problem twice
Write down the information given in the
problem. Include units and labels.
Determine what is "wanted" (i.e. the
answer).
Find additional information such as
conversion factors, molar masses, etc.
Set up the solution - check units
Solve
Check the answer - Does it make
sense?
Examples
Select your level! Note how the more challenging problems use the
same information and concepts more complexly.
Note: These problems
have been deliberately selected for their lack of "chemical
content" to help focus on problem solving.
- Easy
- A very basic problem.
- Helpful for basic understanding.
- Generally requires application of only one concept.
-
Average
- A typical problem.
- May require application of two or more concepts.
- May require information not given in the problem.
-
Challenging
-
- Thought provoking!
- Requires synthesis of many concepts, including those from earlier
material.
- May require more complicated mathematical manipulations.
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