Solving Word Problems
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I'm Atoms (Scientific Cover of Jason Mraz's I'm Yours) by Veritasium [3:38]
Think About It: Why study chemistry? What is the "scientific method" if not "organized problem solving?"
I'm Atoms (Scientific Cover of Jason Mraz's I'm Yours) by Veritasium [3:38]
Think About It: Why study chemistry? What is the "scientific method" if not "organized problem solving?"
Solving Chemistry Word Problems and General Problems Solving Techniques
Watch Me: Instructional Videos -
Solving Problems in Chemistry by Chuck Wight [10:54]
You are introduced to a 7-step general method for solving problems in chemistry. Two examples are shown, one non-chemistry problem involving the calculation of the shared cost of a meal. The second problem is to compute the mole fraction of tin in bronze.
Rapid Learning: Word Problem Strategy - the KUDOS method by Dr. Wayne Huang presented by RapidLearningCenter [10:31]
The KUDOS strategy is particularly useful for solving word problems that often given students difficulty in chemistry.
Here is the K-U-D-O-S:
K_nown: List what information is given - the knowns. This is what you have to work with.
U_nknown: Identify exactly what you are looking for - the unknown.
D_efinition: Define needed information to link the knowns to the unknown. Here is where you find the formula you need, convert units, use a physical constant, etc.
O_utput: Plug in the knowns/constants into the defined formulas/equations with proper units and obtain an answer.
S_ubstantiation: Check your answer for reasonableness, proper units, and the correct number of significant figures.
Problem solving in chemistry by Lorna Blackford [12:22]
Another perspective on problems solving in chemistry.
Watch Me: Instructional Videos -
Solving Problems in Chemistry by Chuck Wight [10:54]
You are introduced to a 7-step general method for solving problems in chemistry. Two examples are shown, one non-chemistry problem involving the calculation of the shared cost of a meal. The second problem is to compute the mole fraction of tin in bronze.
Rapid Learning: Word Problem Strategy - the KUDOS method by Dr. Wayne Huang presented by RapidLearningCenter [10:31]
The KUDOS strategy is particularly useful for solving word problems that often given students difficulty in chemistry.
Here is the K-U-D-O-S:
K_nown: List what information is given - the knowns. This is what you have to work with.
U_nknown: Identify exactly what you are looking for - the unknown.
D_efinition: Define needed information to link the knowns to the unknown. Here is where you find the formula you need, convert units, use a physical constant, etc.
O_utput: Plug in the knowns/constants into the defined formulas/equations with proper units and obtain an answer.
S_ubstantiation: Check your answer for reasonableness, proper units, and the correct number of significant figures.
Problem solving in chemistry by Lorna Blackford [12:22]
Another perspective on problems solving in chemistry.
Read Me: Further Review
College Level
A General Problem-Solving Strategy For Chemistry pdf document by Dr. Nutt
Helpful Hints on problem solving webpage from the Chemistry Department at Washington University in St. Louis
"This might be the first time that you have to really think about problem solving. Typically in general chemistry the questions are not "freebies." You have to work for the answer and you cannot simply memorize a formula. You really need to know and understand the concepts. But we can try to give you some advise on how to start working on problems in general chemistry."
College Level
A General Problem-Solving Strategy For Chemistry pdf document by Dr. Nutt
Helpful Hints on problem solving webpage from the Chemistry Department at Washington University in St. Louis
"This might be the first time that you have to really think about problem solving. Typically in general chemistry the questions are not "freebies." You have to work for the answer and you cannot simply memorize a formula. You really need to know and understand the concepts. But we can try to give you some advise on how to start working on problems in general chemistry."