chemistry and TI-36x solar calculator? What am I doing wrong?

Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 16, 2006

Are you using 10e-6 or 10^6? Not sure because I have a different calculator.

Heloisea3 · Nov 16, 2006

I'm just pressing the - exponent key. I'm supposed to press it and then log before doing anything else, but it just shows error before I even have a chance to type any numbers. There is a +/- key at the bottom that you press when you are going to use exponents. That is the - button I push before "log." Those are the instructions we got in class. This is really driving me nuts. I haven't had any problems with my calculator when I do anything else, so I know it is something that I'm messing up on. Thanks for responding to my post. :)

catzy5 · Nov 16, 2006

I am trying to calculate pH using my TI-36x solar calculator. The problem is to calculate pH if [H+] = 1.5 x 10 -6 (negative 6).The directions are: pH= -log [H+]. Well, I am hitting the "-" key and then the "log" key, and then "error" comes up on my calculator. Even if I push nothing but "log," I still get an "error" that comes up on my calculator. What am I doing wrong? Geez! I feel like such a technological loser. Anyway, I would appreciate any help! Thanks!

nice to know I am not the only calculator impared person, our instructor wouldn't even show us how to do it. I have been trying to figure it out on my own I called my Brother inlaw over (mechanical engineer) to help me I forgot now all ready because he explained it too fast. I have been able to do it without the exponents. We are on the same chapter thought thats neat. )

Heloisea3 · Nov 16, 2006

Catzy, I'm glad that I'm not alone with my technological challenges. It really makes me feel like an idiot when I can't even figure out the calculator. Well, I'm no genius, but my problem is solved. My dear beloved sister brought me her old scientific calculator, and I am able to do it on there. Whatever works is fine for me! Yay! Thank goodness this Chemistry class is almost over. How is your class coming? I'm doing okay, but it has been my hardest science class. I thought Micro and A&P were easier. Thank goodness that this is the last science class for me. Whoo hoo! Good luck with your class, catzy, and thanks for replying to my message. It is always comforting to know that other people know how you're feeling. Thanks!

catzy5 · Nov 16, 2006

Catzy, I'm glad that I'm not alone with my technological challenges. It really makes me feel like an idiot when I can't even figure out the calculator. Well, I'm no genius, but my problem is solved. My dear beloved sister brought me her old scientific calculator, and I am able to do it on there. Whatever works is fine for me! Yay! Thank goodness this Chemistry class is almost over. How is your class coming? I'm doing okay, but it has been my hardest science class. I thought Micro and A&P were easier. Thank goodness that this is the last science class for me. Whoo hoo! Good luck with your class, catzy, and thanks for replying to my message. It is always comforting to know that other people know how you're feeling. Thanks!

I am glad you got it worked out I agree with whatever works! I thought it was interesting we were working on the same unit.

We are almost finished here too our last unit Exam is Tuesday and then the final. My instructor is very hard but I don't think the class is that hard I do all my studying on my own and have done pretty good so far, I wish we had a better instructor as I think the class could be interesting.