Balancing Equations with Compound Formulas [ENDORSED]

[Mia Bianchi 2C]

Hello! Will we need to memorize compound formulas for assessments? For instance, if Sulphuric Acid and another reactant is named in a balancing an equation problem, will I need to know what Sulphuric Acid's formula is to begin with or will it already be given in the problem?

[Tymofiy Kornyeyev_2B]

Hello!
I can't speak for assessments with 100% certainty, but I can say that you should be able to derive the molecular formula for many compounds, as long as you have a periodic table handy, given that the naming conventions are fairly standardized. The textbook sections Fundamentals C and D go into detail about these conventions. For some common molecules that have more "traditional" names, such as ammonia, methane, glucose, water, etc., you will likely have to just know them off the top of your head if they are referred to as such on an assessment.
Hope that helps!

[Chem_Mod]

At the beginning of Chem 14A, no.
I give both the name and formula as part of the learning process. For example in midterm 1.

But as students progress through my course we will do many examples, structures with names, acids and bases, etc.
As we cover examples students should know them.

PS.
I answered this even though it was posted under SI Units.
It took additional time to move it to the correct topic.

[oliviamyers-lec2]

HI there,
From Lec 2 Dr. Lavelle made note that up to midterm 1 we won't have to memorize any elements and how they are written out but after own he explains that we will be familiar that we should know what the basic elements are and how to write them.

Hope that helps!

[XavierRenDIS_1K]

Hey! at todays lecture, Professor Lavelle told us that up until the first midterm, memorizing the specific details about compounds and elements would not be necessary. However, it would be very useful to memorize the masses of things like C, H, O, N, etc. (the most common ones we will see) for time saving measures and as a general good practice. Hope this helps!

[atmajoshi_1G]

Hi
Dr lavelle told lecture that for now we don't need to focus on memorizing anything. Over time, it should be obvious which chemicals and formulas we should know by heart. For now, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Tara A 1I]

Hey! I know Dr. Lavelle said that for the first midterm we will not need to know what the formula is based on solely the name!

[Donovan Salvador Disc 1L]

Hi! I think in class Dr. Lavelle mentioned that we do not need to memorize anything in particular, but over time and with more practice we should be able to remember the main formulas and molar masses of certain elements. Hope this helps!

[706257024]

Hello, confirming with a TA, they mentioned that we do not need to remember the compound names just yet! We may need to know it by midterm 2. I believe we learn how to name the compounds throughout time.

[606275877]

Hi!
I believe that you do not need to remember the compound formulas!