CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

Do we have to memorize numbers such as c=3.00x10^8 m/s and planck's constant (h=6.63x10^-34Js) for the test?

I think they give us a sheet that has all the constants and equations along with the test so no.

Yeah, before the test we're given an equation sheet that has those numbers. So luckily, we don't need to memorize them!

Which equations should we know and understand before the test?

Most of the equations will be given on the exam sheet during the exam which you can find on the website if you want to make sure. Rather than memorize them, just make sure you understand each part and know how to manipulate them because that is much more important for exam 2.

Most of the equations and numbers should be on the formula sheet. I do remember Dr. Lavelle saying that the Ek =(½)mv^2 would not be on it, but I believe all other equations and numbers should be on there.

I think this is the sheet that we will be given with all the constants and equations: https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... ations.pdf

We will be given a formula sheet that will include those numbers!!

I recommend memorizing whichever constants and formulas you can, but don't stress about it too much. I can recall hearing that a formula sheet would be provided, but you should still play around with all the formulas just to make sure you understand everything before the exam.

Constants and equations will always be provided at the beginning of the test.

No, those will be a part of a formula sheet added to the test. A few equations, or at least conversion between one given equation to one that is not given, may be more prudent to remember. For almost all constants, they will be provided.

They are given on the exams but it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the more frequently used constants just as a time saving technique.

Do you know how many significant figures we should use when solving problems, or should we just match the given information?

allisoncarr1i wrote:They are given on the exams but it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the more frequently used constants just as a time saving technique.

I think it is possible they may provide numbers we do not know for the test, however once we do practice problems I think you will memorize them. Currently the speed of light and plank's constant are ones we will gradually remember.

I agree with the replies most of the equations and constants are given on the sheet. It was recommended that we memorize the constants and the basic equations to go through the test faster.

Our first test had a formula sheet on the front. I assume that is the same sheet we will be given all quarter

Hello!
I agree that there will be a formula sheet in the front. Common equations, such as E=hv and c= lambda•v will be given. However, derivations of common equations that are necessary for some problems, such as E = hc/lambda will have to be determined by the test taker. All constants should be on the formula sheet though.

Hope this helped!

jordan_lo_3k wrote:Do you know how many significant figures we should use when solving problems, or should we just match the given information?

allisoncarr1i wrote:They are given on the exams but it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the more frequently used constants just as a time saving technique.

Match the given information

While these numbers will be given on a formula sheet, I have learned that learning the numbers and when to use them gives me a greater understanding of the concept. Plus, by the time I know the numbers, I have become familiar with the process used in the types of problems.

The formula sheet that was given on the first test is the same one that will be given on the second test and third test as well.

No, constants do not need to be memorized. The equation sheet with the constants given during the test can be found on Dr. Lavelle's class website.

Constants like the examples you provided do not need to be memorized for they are given on an equation sheet with the test, however my TA recommended that we do memorize them just so that we don't have to constantly be flipping back to the equation sheet during the test.

Soyoung Park 1H wrote:Do we have to memorize numbers such as c=3.00x10^8 m/s and planck's constant (h=6.63x10^-34Js) for the test?

No you do not we are given a constants and equations sheet. However it may be helpful to memorize them to some extent so you can do problems faster.

No, we don't. They will give us when we have a test.

There will be chemical formulas and equations given on the exam, including a periodic table.

On tests (for Dr.Lavelle and I am sure all other professors) you are given both a formula chart AND periodic table to assist you.

They will give a list of constants and a periodic table.

All I would say, is that for test 1 don't worry about having constants or unit conversions memorized (as they will be given), but for future reference (e.g. the midterm and final) to know and understand them.

The answer is no. The tests and exams will provide you with these numbers, because the point is not about whether you can memorize the numbers, but whether you understand the materials and are able to do the calculations.

Not for this test, but when we are given the test, most of the basic numbers are on a little "cheat sheet" on the front of the page

It's nice to have them memorized because they are used often, but they will be given to us on tests

Helps a lot to memorize when you're doing practice problems but if you forget, there's always a cheat sheet he puts on the test for us to look at with all the constants!

It would be convenient to memorize these numbers, but he does indeed offer a cheat sheet of equations to utilize for every test that we take. The particular cheat sheet is actually on his website: https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-conten ... ations.pdf (If I remember correctly, we were given this sheet on test #1).

Currently, you may be worried that memorizing them will be too much. But most likely you'll have them memorized naturally after many homework problems and review sessions. But how everyone mentioned, they will be on the cover page of every exam.

Agree with everyone. They are kind enough to provide the equations and constants for us and it is easier to memorize them so you don't have to look over it constantly. But really you should make sure how to use the constants and equations. The equations will show the variables but not what they represent and it sometimes won't tell you what it is for so you should at least know what each is on site. Also it is good to associate the variables with it's units to help you get the desired answer/hint on what the equation is for.

The Constants and Equations Sheet (https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-content/supporting-files/Chem14A/constants_equations.pdf) and Periodic Table (https://lavelle.chem.ucla.edu/wp-content/supporting-files/Chem14A/Periodic_Table_IUPAC.pdf) found on Dr. Lavelle's website are the exact same ones you receive on all exams. It is recommended that everyone have these handy when working on homework problems as the textbook assumes you have these.

Do we have to memorize equations for the test then?

Elizabeth Harty 3A wrote:Do we have to memorize equations for the test then?

No, they give the equations on a sheet of paper with the test.