Math in Chemistry ....

is hard !

right now learning conversion factors in dimensional analysis for problem solving.

any tips ?

I have a hard time converting when there are two different units.. for example :

Worldwide emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere are estimated at 1X10^9th (scientific notation) tons/year. what is this emission rate in kg/hr ?

I can't help you off the top of my head I don't have the conversion factors. However, what used to help me was to break it all down in steps.

Write out how many kg=1 ton, or whatever weights you know to get to 1 ton. Then the conversion hr's to year like

Just breaking it all down step by step and doing it one at a time was helpful, until i got used to it. Like any math, Chemistry math is just repetion and being able to get through the steps takes practice. Do as many problems as you can until it becomes second nature.

Learning dimensional anylisis is actually really helpful for nursing as you do most dosage calculations using that.

thanks a lot ! yes, that seems like the route to go. the math part of it all is not hard at all, just getting used to setting up the problems is tricky. but like you said.. the more I do it, the easier it will become.

great advice.

thanks !