2
Studying and Thinking About Problems
only arithmetic and simple algebra. Nevertheless, if you don't understand it,
you can expect troubles before long. So, before you can really get into chemistry, you need to master the mathematical operations in the first six chapters.
3. Don't think of your calculator as a security blanket that will bring you
vision, light, and understanding about problems. Your calculator can minimize
the tedium and time involved in the mechanics of a problem, thus leaving you
more time to think about the problem. And, in principle, there is less likelihood
of your making an arithmetical error with the calculator, but it won't help you
at all in choosing the right method for solution. Many students make a substantial investment in a powerful calculator and then never learn to take advantage
of its power and its time-saving capability. From the very beginning it will pay
you to learn to use this incredible tool well and easily, so that you can devote
your thinking time to understanding the principles and the problems. This book
emphasizes the proper and efficient use of your calculator.
4. Minimize the amount of material you memorize. Limit memorization to
the basic facts and principles from which you can reason the solutions of the
problems. Know this smallish amount of factual material really well; then concentrate on how to use it in a logical, effective way. Too many students try to
undertake chemistry with only a rote-memory approach; it can be fatal.
5. Before working homework problems, study pertinent class notes and text
material until you think you fully understand the facts and principles involved.
Try to work the problems without reference to text, class notes, or friendly
assistance. If you can't, then work them with the help of your text or notes, or
work with someone else in the class, or ask an upperclassman or the instructor.
However, then be aware that you have worked the problems with a crutch, and
that it's quite possible you still don't understand them. Try the same or similar
problems again a few days later to see whether you can do them without any
help, as you must do on an exam. Discussion of problems helps to fix principles
in mind and to broaden understanding but, by itself, it doesn't guarantee the
understanding you need to work them.
6. When homework assignments are returned and you find some problems
marked wrong (in spite of your efforts), do something about it soon. Don't
simply glance over the incorrect problem, kick yourself for what you believe to
be a silly error, and assume you now know how to do it correctly. Perhaps it
was just a silly mistake, but there's a good chance it wasn't. Rework the
problem on paper (without help) and check it out. If you can't find the source of
error by yourself, then seek help. There is often as much or more to be learned
from making mistakes (in learning why you can't do things a certain way) as
there is from knowing an acceptable way without full understanding. However,
the time to learn from mistakes is before exams, on homework assignments.
7. In the few days before an examination, go through all the related
homework problems. See if you can classify them into a relatively small number of types of problems. Learn how to recognize each type, and know a simple
Studying and Thinking About Problems
only arithmetic and simple algebra. Nevertheless, if you don't understand it,
you can expect troubles before long. So, before you can really get into chemistry, you need to master the mathematical operations in the first six chapters.
3. Don't think of your calculator as a security blanket that will bring you
vision, light, and understanding about problems. Your calculator can minimize
the tedium and time involved in the mechanics of a problem, thus leaving you
more time to think about the problem. And, in principle, there is less likelihood
of your making an arithmetical error with the calculator, but it won't help you
at all in choosing the right method for solution. Many students make a substantial investment in a powerful calculator and then never learn to take advantage
of its power and its time-saving capability. From the very beginning it will pay
you to learn to use this incredible tool well and easily, so that you can devote
your thinking time to understanding the principles and the problems. This book
emphasizes the proper and efficient use of your calculator.
4. Minimize the amount of material you memorize. Limit memorization to
the basic facts and principles from which you can reason the solutions of the
problems. Know this smallish amount of factual material really well; then concentrate on how to use it in a logical, effective way. Too many students try to
undertake chemistry with only a rote-memory approach; it can be fatal.
5. Before working homework problems, study pertinent class notes and text
material until you think you fully understand the facts and principles involved.
Try to work the problems without reference to text, class notes, or friendly
assistance. If you can't, then work them with the help of your text or notes, or
work with someone else in the class, or ask an upperclassman or the instructor.
However, then be aware that you have worked the problems with a crutch, and
that it's quite possible you still don't understand them. Try the same or similar
problems again a few days later to see whether you can do them without any
help, as you must do on an exam. Discussion of problems helps to fix principles
in mind and to broaden understanding but, by itself, it doesn't guarantee the
understanding you need to work them.
6. When homework assignments are returned and you find some problems
marked wrong (in spite of your efforts), do something about it soon. Don't
simply glance over the incorrect problem, kick yourself for what you believe to
be a silly error, and assume you now know how to do it correctly. Perhaps it
was just a silly mistake, but there's a good chance it wasn't. Rework the
problem on paper (without help) and check it out. If you can't find the source of
error by yourself, then seek help. There is often as much or more to be learned
from making mistakes (in learning why you can't do things a certain way) as
there is from knowing an acceptable way without full understanding. However,
the time to learn from mistakes is before exams, on homework assignments.
7. In the few days before an examination, go through all the related
homework problems. See if you can classify them into a relatively small number of types of problems. Learn how to recognize each type, and know a simple