Top

Chemistry Problems

Chemistry deals essentially with the composition and behavior of natural world. Drastic development of the study of external universe influenced the separation of chemistry as a special branch of natural science. The basis of chemistry includes names and symbols for the elements, dimensional analysis and a good amount of chemical terminology to begin solving chemistry problems.

The best way to learn chemistry is to practice working on problems, as it helps to see how each type of problem is solved. Master the fundamentals of chemistry and look for relationships between the various chemical principles and concepts. Follow examples of worked chemistry problems. Define the unknown and use appropriate explicit and implicit known data and represent them with appropriate symbols. Get help with your chemistry homework, practice problems, learn to memorize and take notes, get studying help from TutorVista from our experienced tutors 24/7 at your suitability.

How to Solve Chemistry Problems

One of the great joys of studying chemistry is learning to be a good problem solver. The ability to solve complicated problems is a skill which helps greatly throughout life. This strategy won't mean much until you see it in action! Learning chemistry requires both the compliance of many new concepts and the development of analytical skills. The basic steps in solving problems are:

1) Read: Read the question carefully and wisely. Determine what is known and what is to be solved for and write them down. Look for key terms as it is important to label all factors and measurements with the proper units.
2) Plan: Determine which principles are involved and which unit relationships are needed to solve the problem. Pen down the equations or concepts you think you might require for solving the problem.
3) Setup: Set up the problem in a neat, organized and logical fashion, making sure all unwanted units cancel. Use the examples as guides for setting up the problem.
4) Calculate: Proceed with the necessary mathematical operations. Ensure the answer contains the proper number of significant figures. Write down your working and the answer.
5) Check: Check the answer if all the parts of the question are answered to see if it is reasonable.

While solving problems ensure that you don’t allow any formal method of problem solving to limit the intuition. If a problem is clear and the solution seems to be simple by any other method by all means use it.

Chemistry Practice Problems

Calculate the specific heat of a solid in J/goC and cal/goC if 1638J raises the temperature of 125g of the solid from 25.0oC to 52.6oC.

Solution

Known  125g of the solid
Δt = 52.6 - 25.0 = 27.6oC
Heat  = 1638 J
Solving for: Specific heat of the solid

2. Plan:

Use the equation
(mass)(Specific heat)(t) = heat
solving for specific heat

3. Setup:

Specific heat =
$\frac{heat}{g \times \bigtriangleup {t}}$

4. Calculate:

Specific heat = $\frac{1639J}{125g \times 27.6^oC}$ = 0.475J/goC

Convert joules to calories using $\frac{1.00 cal}{4.184J}$

specific heat =
$\left ( \frac{0.475J}{g^oC} \right )\left ( \frac{1.000cal}{4.184J} \right)$ = 0.114cal/goC

5. Check:

Note that the units on the answer agree with the units for specific heat.

 Related Topics Chemistry Help Chemistry Tutor
*AP and SAT are registered trademarks of the College Board.