Chemistry Question

[Ellie May]

Is this dimensional analysis thing really necessary to learn?
For those of us who find it more confusing than helpful, can we just do it our own way or will we regret not learning it later?

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Is this dimensional analysis thing really necessary to learn?
For those of us who find it more confusing than helpful, can we just do it our own way or will we regret not learning it later?

Well since I have no idea what you are even asking and I've gotten through 30 somewhat years successfully, I would say no, it's not necessary. However, if you are in school and plan on passing - better learn it!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Well since I have no idea what you are even asking and I've gotten through 30 somewhat years successfully, I would say no, it's not necessary. However, if you are in school and plan on passing - better learn it!

lol, I'm not sure if it is just this book pushing the idea or if all chem books want you to learn it this way. Wanting to know if it makes a difference in higher chem courses.

It's just a way to do formulas that is supposed to make it easier.

[TresCutePiggies]

I've always had an easy time with math so admittedly I think sometimes it's quicker for me to just to do a quick calculation, but if I am remembering correctly it really helped me to keep more complex conversions straight, especially when dealing with square units, etc.

I really hope I'm thinking of the right thing, and dimensional analysis is the thing where you line up conversions in a table looking thing.

ETA: This is what I was talking about: http://www.alysion.org/dimensional/fun.htm only it wasn't on quite as simplistic of a level, and it really didn't have to do with how many pizzas I needed for my pizza party, haha.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by TresCutePiggies

I've always had an easy time with math so admittedly I think sometimes it's quicker for me to just to do a quick calculation, but if I am remembering correctly it really helped me to keep more complex conversions straight, especially when dealing with square units, etc.

I really hope I'm thinking of the right thing, and dimensional analysis is the thing where you line up conversions in a table looking thing.

Thank you.
I guess I will learn it then.

Math is not a talent of mine.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Is this dimensional analysis thing really necessary to learn?
For those of us who find it more confusing than helpful, can we just do it our own way or will we regret not learning it later?

Is it giving you any alternatives that look more amenable? If not, I'd def. learn it.

Chem is like math on steroids meets science. It can be a super tough course, however, if you can nail down the process/approach to doing the problems - you're pretty much golden.

I was more scared for Chem than probably any other class, but I ended up loving it! Once you get the basics/process down, it's actually really interesting - and keeps building on itself throughout the semester. A good Prof is key for Chem, I will say that!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

A good Prof is key for Chem, I will say that!

...and a great lab partner. I never would have made it without mine. So envious of you science and math wizards.

[Ellie May]

Since this isn't an advanced book, I was hoping that they teach you a different way later. I find that figuring the problems out logically is better for me than lining stuff up, trying to remember how to do it, and not understanding what I'm really doing. But I guess I'll just go ahead and try it again.

[TresCutePiggies]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Thank you.
I guess I will learn it then.

Math is not a talent of mine.

Especially if math isn't a strong suit, I think it will help you in the long run, as annoying as I'm sure it seems now!

You know what "they" say...psychology is really biology; biology is really chemistry; chemistry is really physics; and physics is really math.

I guess I'm an odd one as I did really well in psychology, math and chemistry. I definitely had to work harder at biology, and any of the physics that wasn't calc based.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by TresCutePiggies

Especially if math isn't a strong suit, I think it will help you in the long run, as annoying as I'm sure it seems now!

You know what "they" say...psychology is really biology; biology is really chemistry; chemistry is really physics; and physics is really math.

I guess I'm an odd one as I did really well in psychology, math and chemistry. I definitely had to work harder at biology, and any of the physics that wasn't calc based.

And I'm here thinking, "Bring on the bio." lol

[LDandPasquale]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

. A good Prof is key for Chem, I will say that!

I agree 100%. I had a chem. professor who was great. He went slow..and made sure everyone understood what he was teaching. AND he even allowed open book tests. He was so good i even took him for Chem. 2!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Since this isn't an advanced book, I was hoping that they teach you a different way later. I find that figuring the problems out logically is better for me than lining stuff up, trying to remember how to do it, and not understanding what I'm really doing. But I guess I'll just go ahead and try it again.

Is knowledge of dimensional analysis something that can or would be tested? The reason I ask is that I was thinking about my struggles with new vs old methods in geometry. I could always come up with the correct solutions to problems, but I could never demonstrate how I came up with the answers -- which hurt my test scores.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Is knowledge of dimensional analysis something that can or would be tested? The reason I ask is that I was thinking about my struggles with new vs old methods in geometry. I could always come up with the correct solutions to problems, but I could never demonstrate how I came up with the answers -- which hurt my test scores.

It was tested in homework (very little) this semester. Prof said it isn't necessary, but then went on to assign homework telling you to use it and all work had to be shown. Prof was, well, we won't go there...

[MeganS]

OMG.

I'm taking Chem 1 cp in high school right now. it is HELL. I despise it. Absolute bane of my existance. I suck at math, and I get by in science. when you put them together, it's catastrophic.

The second week of class I told my teacher I needed to transfer out because I wouldn't be able to do it. He was like "No, no you can do it. Just keep trying." School gets out in less than a month and I have no idea if I'm going to pass for the year (I'm currently failing for the year, so we'll see).

I know this was absolutely no help at all with your question, but I wanted to give my input. :P

I'm with you, I like Bio!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by MeganS

OMG.

I'm taking Chem 1 cp in high school right now. it is HELL. I despise it. Absolute bane of my existance. I suck at math, and I get by in science. when you put them together, it's catastrophic.

The second week of class I told my teacher I needed to transfer out because I wouldn't be able to do it. He was like "No, no you can do it. Just keep trying." School gets out in less than a month and I have no idea if I'm going to pass for the year (I'm currently failing for the year, so we'll see).

I know this was absolutely no help at all with your question, but I wanted to give my input. :P

I'm with you, I like Bio!

lol, tell us how you really feel.
It can be extremely difficult.
And math, well, that's a big waste of my time and energy.