Reaction Stoichiometry Unit Conversion

[Andrew Bennecke]

I am confused as to how we know when to switch between different units in the Reaction Stoichiometry section. For example, on number 5a, we are given an amount in kilograms, but the answer in the back of the textbook is in grams. Is this just a subjective preference, or would it affect the amount of points we obtain on a question.

[Henri_de_Guzman_3L]

Hi Andrew, if you are referring to question L.5.a, it is totally ok to give the answer in either grams or kilograms. Prof. Lavelle even mentioned in class that both would be correct. The reason the textbook gives the answer in grams is think about it, 507.1 g Al versus 0.5071 kg Al. I think and the textbook must also think that 507.1 g Al just looks "cleaner" than 0.5071 kg Al. But either one is 100% correct! Don't stress!

[Rebecca Altshuler 1D]

Just to add, answers might be expected to be in SI units if the question requires you to use a derived unit (like g/mol) since you have to convert mass into grams in order for the answer to be correct. However, the units of the final answer shouldn't matter as long as the calculation was correct.