Converting

[805601399]

I was just wondering what method does everyone recommend for converting between units? I usually just keep doing proportions until I reach what I need but is the method where we write out an entire multiplication sequence easier?

[Kavya Anand 2B]

Hi, I find that while writing the whole proportion multiplication sequence can be tedious at times, its the best way to ensure that I don’t make any mistakes during conversions, since I can easily see every step I take through the process.

[Kristen Bansil 1G]

Hey there,
I usually just write out the whole multiplication sequence because I feel like it helps me keep track of the units I cancel out but some processes are easier for others, and I find that it's easier to use proportions for certain problems!

[305597516]

Hello! I like doing proportions too because I just feel like I can comprehend it better and it's just simpler. I notice that the TA and the professor tend to do proportions in a grid (sorry idk what its called but I think this is the multiplication series you were talking about?), and I feel like it's the same thing except they tend to keep it going continuously (like they start by converting for example grams to moles and then convert the moles of a reactant into a product within the same grid). This is a little more confusing to me, so I usually just break it up (which is basically the same as proportions!). In short, the multiplication series is more time-efficient, but I believe proportions work just as well, but they may take a little more time. I believe that whatever works for you will be best (at least if you're not under time constraints haha).

[Rachel Yu 3K]

Although using a multiplication sequence can be a little tedious at times and take up a lot of paper space, I would still recommend using that as it allows you to really see the cancellation of units!

If you really want to "save time and space" instead of doing proportions, you could set one to the -1 power to limit the amount of work.

For example, for 5 m/s you could do 5 m.s^-1

However, it sometimes can get a little confusing so I personally still prefer using proportions in a multiplication sequence!

[Monse Mata 3D]

Hey! I would suggest you to continue using the method that includes proportions because, although tedious, it is very helpful in that you can see which units cross out and which ones you still need to cancel out. I still use this method and I think it works great!

[Hannah Carsey 1B]

Hi! For pretty much all unit conversions and chemical calculations, I use stoichiometry. This method makes the most sense to me and is pretty much just connected proportions, numerical relationships, and continuous units. I would definitely recommend using stoichiometry for your chemistry calculations.

[405479701]

I write the whole sequence so I can see everything clearly and make sure I do not make any mistakes. I find it is better to take the time to fully write it out than risk making a mistake because of laziness.

[Harbaksh Kaur 3E]

I usually just use proportions as well because it allows you to see all your work and I think writing it all out allows for less mistakes.