Simple Chemistry help?!!?

review algebra:

specifically: 1) exponents

2) logs

3) multiple eqns/multiple unknowns

It will be assumed you are facile with the above 3 - I am a chemist and I am giving you advise to focus on the above math. Good for you to start now - but if you are not fluent with the above you are hosed

well, you need to know quantum mechanics and the schrodinger equation...

haha, no. make sure you have your algebra down, especially cross multiplication. that'll help a ton. Logs, powers, scientific notation, etc, will be helpful as well.

know what an atom is: an atom is a nucleus in the center of an atom composed of neutrons and protons, with electrons flying around in orbit. you can think of the nucleus as the sun, and the electrons as the planets flying around it. Protons have a positive charge, and electrons have a negative charge which are both equal and balance each other out.

The number of protons (one of the two things in the nucleus) determines the type of atom. 1 proton is a hydrogen, 2 is a helium, gold has 79 protons. no need to memorize these now, just remember the number of protons determines the atom. protons and neutrons weigh about the same amount called an amu. electrons weigh almost nothing. thus scientists add up the number of protons and neutrons in an atom and that is the "molecular weight" of the molecule. (there are typically about the same number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus).

after you digest all this...

The "mol" is also very important. because atoms are small, we cant just say "a dozen". So we say a "mol" of atoms. this means roughly 6.022 * 10^23 atoms, which is a alot of atoms. This is convenient, because it takes 6.022 * 10^23 amus (the weight of protons or neutrons) to make 1 gram.

So basically if you take a hydrogen atom, with one proton and one neutron (atomic weight = 2), and collect 6.022 * 10^23 hydrogen atoms, you would have 2 grams of hydrogen. if you collect 6.022 * 10^23 protons, you would have 1 gram of protons. If you collect 6.022 *10^23 neutrons, you get 1 gram of neutrons.

So get used to 6.022 * 10^23. It'll be a useful number. Other than that, I'm sure you'll do fine. It's one of those classes that you have to do your homework, but you sound like you have those habits already. homework will be your best friend:). Stay up with the class, put forth the time, and don't be afraid to work out problems. I'm sure you're going to do great!!! good luck!

Before starting the course you could make yourself more familiar with basic unit conversions, because units are involved in most all chemistry problems. In addition, review basic scientific notation. Significant figures are also important to understand if you want to be accurate with your calculations for labs and other related problems. You could review logarithmic algebra, which will help you understand pH and pOH better. If you want, you could review the subatomic particles of an atom and their charges (proton, neutrons, and electrons). I'm sure that you will be prepared for the course and I wish you much success on your endeaver. Good luck with sophomore year!