1
Studying and
Thinking About Problems
For many of you, the first course in chemistry will be a new experience—
perhaps a difficult one. To understand chemistry, you will have to work hundreds of problems. For many students, the mathematical side of the course may
seem more difficult than it should, leading to unnecessary frustration. There
appear to be two main sources of this difficulty and frustration; they center
around (I) study habits, and (2) the way you analyze a problem and proceed to
its solution. The following suggestions, taken seriously from the very beginning, may be of great help to you. For most people, improved study habits and
problem-solving skills come only with practice and with a determined effort
spread over a long time. It's worth it.
STUDY HABITS
1. Learn each assignment before going on to a new one. Chemistry has a
vertical structure; that is, new concepts depend on previous material. The
course is cumulative in nature. Don't pass over anything, expecting to learn it
later. And don't postpone study until exam time. The message is this: keep up
to date.
2. Know how to perform the mathematical operations you need in solving
problems. The mathematics used in general chemistry is elementary, involving
Studying and
Thinking About Problems
For many of you, the first course in chemistry will be a new experience—
perhaps a difficult one. To understand chemistry, you will have to work hundreds of problems. For many students, the mathematical side of the course may
seem more difficult than it should, leading to unnecessary frustration. There
appear to be two main sources of this difficulty and frustration; they center
around (I) study habits, and (2) the way you analyze a problem and proceed to
its solution. The following suggestions, taken seriously from the very beginning, may be of great help to you. For most people, improved study habits and
problem-solving skills come only with practice and with a determined effort
spread over a long time. It's worth it.
STUDY HABITS
1. Learn each assignment before going on to a new one. Chemistry has a
vertical structure; that is, new concepts depend on previous material. The
course is cumulative in nature. Don't pass over anything, expecting to learn it
later. And don't postpone study until exam time. The message is this: keep up
to date.
2. Know how to perform the mathematical operations you need in solving
problems. The mathematics used in general chemistry is elementary, involving