just venting ove my Chem grade...

DarkBluePhoenix · May 6, 2011

No its ok.

Honestly chemistry has to be the least favorite by everyone that has to take it. And my guess as to why that is, is that its because its a lot of math and that is another subject people don't like.

IF you can, or if you have to I would retake it. If you are applying to really competitive schools, then retake it and bring your GPA. If you are pretty sure you can get in with a C then do it. But I would be rather safe than sorry.

What were you having trouble with? The math? Balancing equations? Redox rxn? The lab?

Finding out where your weakness is, you can concentrate harder on that the next time!

Good Luck

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

Sweety, I couldn't even get past the first exam- you did good getting through and passing. Don't be so hard on yourself!

caliotter3 · May 6, 2011

Better to have a C and the class behind you than to be too afraid to take it or to get a D or worse yet, an F. If you can retake the class with no "penalty" then consider that course of action in the future.

mariposabella · May 6, 2011

It will be okay. I feel your frustration. I didnt like chemistry myself. Its tough because its so in depth and sometimes the math can be a little difficult. All that matters is that you did the best you could. Dont let it get you down and dont beat yourself up over it. Tomorrow is a new day!

GirlDotson · May 6, 2011

Hi Wannab RN,

I know you said you bomed your chem clas, but I was hoping you or someone else reading this post might be able to help me. I take the TEAS Monday, adn was hoping to get this straightened out before then.

Here is one questions from the McGraw-Hill book:

Which of the following elements has the greatest atomic radius?

a. stronium

b. fluorine

c. neom

d. cobalt

How do I know what their radii are if there aren't any numbers? This one really confuses me.

And this one:

When K bonds with I, the

a. eletrons are shared.

b. potassium gains electrons which are lost by iodine.

c. two elements form a covalent bond.

d. potassium looses one electron to iodine.

Again, how do I know the answer. I have read and re-read thesse two sections and it is still beyond me. I am sure there will be more of these types of questions on the TEAS just because its the part I am having the most trouble with.

Thank you!!!

FLhusker · May 6, 2011

If I remember my Chemistry, the atomic radius increases from right to left and top to bottom so the answer should be SR (stronium). You don't have to know their atomic numbers, but you do have to know where they fall on the periodic table to answer a question like this.

K and I form a covalent bond.

Highschoolfuturenurs · May 6, 2011

Actually, K and I form an ionic bond. Potassium loses an electron to iodine and iodine gains one so the answer is D :)

EDIT: oh and the reason you would know this is because Iodine needs only one more valence electron to complete it's outer shell so it will TAKE the electron from potassium while potassium only has 1 valence electron so it easily gives the electron away.

FLhusker · May 6, 2011

Actually, we are both wrong. Covalent bonds share electrons, ionic bonds are a "hostile takover".

Covalent are non-metal/non-metal bonds (right side of table to the right of the metalloids). Ionic bonds are metal/non-metal where the non-metal takes an electron ffrom the metal. So, since I is the non-metal, it would take the ion from K so the correct answer is D since potassium loses an ion to iodine.

Man..,. I took chem last term and just mixed up covalent and ionic! Glad I'm done with that class!!!

Highschoolfuturenurs · May 6, 2011

Actually, we are both wrong. Covalent bonds share electrons, ionic bonds are a "hostile takover".
Covalent are non-metal/non-metal bonds (right side of table to the right of the metalloids). Ionic bonds are metal/non-metal where the non-metal takes an electron ffrom the metal. So, since I is the non-metal, it would take the ion from K so the correct answer is D since potassium loses an ion to iodine.
Man..,. I took chem last term and just mixed up covalent and ionic! Glad I'm done with that class!!!

Yeah i figured that out and edited my answer when i re-read the question. I absolutely love chemistry!

Highschoolfuturenurs · May 6, 2011

sorry for getting off topic. I feel like a lot of people have a difficult time with chemistry so its okay and you're not alone!

GirlDotson · May 6, 2011

Actually, we are both wrong. Covalent bonds share electrons, ionic bonds are a "hostile takover".
Covalent are non-metal/non-metal bonds (right side of table to the right of the metalloids). Ionic bonds are metal/non-metal where the non-metal takes an electron ffrom the metal. So, since I is the non-metal, it would take the ion from K so the correct answer is D since potassium loses an ion to iodine.
Man..,. I took chem last term and just mixed up covalent and ionic! Glad I'm done with that class!!!

Thanks for the help! Non-metal/non-metal bonds being covalent, and metal/non-metal being an ionic bond (hostile takeover) is a VERY big help! Also, telling me about the non-metal takes an ion from the metal helps tremendously!

Sorry for the rpeat, but it helps me to remember if I am looking at, reading, and re-writing. I REALLY Appreciate your help!!!