Frequently Asked Question

 

Sometimes I receive the same question from many students, or I receive a particularly good question. So I will try to answer some of those kinds of questions here for everyone's benefit.

Here are some recent questions and my response.


Student: I think it would be helpful if we did a lot more examples in class. Would you?

Dr. G.:You ask a very important question.

I usually only have time to do a few examples in class. I can not do lots of examples but if I did I would not be able to cover much material...unless I told everyone to read other parts of the chapter on their own. So instead of covering some material very well, and some material not very well, I try to be as consistent as I can over all the material.

For some students if I spend too much time doing examples they get bored and then upset, so I have to try to keep as many people happy as I can. It is a tough job.

But anyway how does all this help you? If I do not do enough examples for a particular section of material drop by my office and I'll go over another one for you, that's no biggy. I've listed additional problems at the end of the chapter (see ProblemSet link) that I expect everyone to do. Try these problems. If you find any that are difficult drop by and I can help you.

The most important thing you can do for youself is to do some chemistry everyday! I know that may sound like a drag, but if you force yourself to work on a few problems everyday you will find one or two problems you can not do and I'll help. If you wait for a week before starting to study, the amount of material will seem overwhelming and there might be eight or ten problems you can not do. This is when frustration sets in and evil thoughts like I HATE CHEMISTRY begin to form. And I do not want you or anyone else to think such thoughts.

Does this help? Try a few of the problems from the problem setand then drop by my office if you have any questions.


Student: I can not find a periodic table on the WEB! Any suggestions?

Dr. G.:Here is a list of more periodic tables than you'll have time to view.


Student: Could you please tell me where I can find the formulas for the elements. I would really appreciate it.

Dr. G.: Check your textbook. Most of the important formulas for the elements are in Table 4.5, except sulfur (S8) and phosphorus (P4). For the remaining elements the formula and symbols are the same.