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.