Converting Units

[Madison Hurst]

When multiple units are defined in a reaction, is it best to convert to equal units before writing out a reaction? Or will it still be a valid answer if units are converted at the end?

[Chem_Mod]

Do you have a specific example?

[davidryan3f]

Convert the units beforehand so that the math will be valid. For example in an m1v1=m2v2 problem, the volumes must be in the same units.

[madisondesilva1c]

In order to end up with the correct quantities, especially when using dimensional analysis it is much easier to convert all mL to L and all kg to g, in order to properly convert to mol.g-1 (etc.). Therefore I recommend converting units in the beginning so you do not have trouble canceling out units when attempting to write empirical and molecular formulas using mole ratios.

[katherinemurk 2B]

For me personally, it is much easier to convert all units to the correct units in the beginning instead of at the end. I don't know if that is the best way but it has worked for me!

[Ibrahim Malik 1H]

I think it is best to convert units as you solve the problem because units cancel out as you solve the problem. Converting units at the end of the problem could lead to confusion and error.