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54 views

Lecture 1

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Hazrat Ali

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General Chemistry

(CHE 101)
Summer 2019

Mainul Hossain (MH1)

Topics Breakdown
Part I
 Chemistry: The Study of Change (Chapter 1)
 Atoms, Molecules and Ions (Chapter 2)
 Quantum Theory and the Electronic Structure
of Atoms (Chapter 7) &
 Periodic Relationships Among the Elements
(Chapter 8)
Topics Breakdown
Part I
 Chemistry: The Study of Change
 Atoms, Molecules and Ions
 Quantum Theory and the Electronic Structure
of Atoms
&
 Periodic Relationships Among the Elements
Chapter 1

Chemistry : The study of change

Chemistry...?

…is a subdivision of physical science

that focuses on what happens when
the electron cloud of one substance
encounters the electron cloud of
another
An atom
An atom

Na
Another atom
A Chlorine atom - Cl

Cl
When they collide…i.e., when
two atoms collide…

Na
Cl
When two atoms collide…

Electrons may be transferred

(ionization occurs!)

Na+ e- Cl-
When two atoms collide…

Electrons may be transferred

(ionization occurs!)

Na+ Cl-
e -

An ionic Bond
When two H-atoms collide…

H H
When two H-atoms collide…

Electrons may be shared

H
e- H
e -
When two H-atoms collide…

Electrons may be shared

A covalent bond
H H
When two H2-molecules
collide…
Electrons may repel each
other

H2 2e- 2e- H2
When two H2-molecules
collide…
Electrons may repel each
other

H2 2e- 2e- H2
When atoms/molecules collide…

We’ll study how to predict which

of the three possibilities happens
Chemistry is the central science

Chemistry
Chemistry is the central science

Sub-atomic
physics Chemistry

10 -10 m
Chemistry is the central science

Sub-atomic Traditional
physics Chemistry physics

10 -10 m 10 -9 m
When two atoms/molecules collide…
Length of the covalent bond is in
the specified range

A covalent bond

~ 10-10 m
The Scientific Method
 Science is dynamic -- it’s just our “current
understanding”
 Involves observation and measurements
 Science attempts to identify variables that
control a situation
 The lack of scientific understanding leaves
you vulnerable to being duped by charlatans
such as G. Wiz!
The Scientific Method
Observations

Hypothesis

Experiments
Two aspects of chemical
reactions...

 Kinetics - how fast the reaction occurs

 Thermodynamics - the direction in which
the reaction proceeds and the degree of
completeness when the action stops
Two aspects of chemical
reactions...

 Kinetics - how fast the reaction occurs

 The solution concentrations I used
yesterday required about 17 seconds to
reach the color-change step
Matter
 Has mass (measured as weight)
 Occupies space (measured as volume)

 Energy
 Rest of the “normal stuff” in the universe is
energy, e.g., light
 Matter and energy are related
Matter
 Has mass (measured as weight)
 Occupies space (measured as volume)

 Energy
 Rest of the “normal stuff” in the universe is
energy, e.g., light
 Matter and energy are related

E = mc2
Modern astrophysics
suggests…
 Matter and energy are about 5% of the
universe
 Dark matter is another 25%
 Dark Energy is the remaining 70%
 Or we don’t quite understand how physics
works at a universal scale!
Chemical changes
 Chemical bonds are broken
 Atoms rearrange themselves
 New chemical bonds form
Chemical changes
 Chemical bonds are broken
 Atoms rearrange themselves
 New chemical bonds form

C3H8 + 5 O2 
Propane Molecular
gas oxygen
Chemical changes
 Chemical bonds are broken
 Atoms rearrange themselves
 New chemical bonds form

C3H8 + 5 O2  3 CO2 + 4 H2O

Propane Molecular Carbon Water
gas oxygen dioxide vapor
Physical changes
 Associated with changes in state (gas, liquid,
solid, solution)
 No chemical changes occur
 Water freezes to ice
 Ice melts to water
 (It’s H O before and after)
2
 Sugar dissolves in water
 Water evaporates leaving sugar
 (It’s C H O before and after)
12 22 11
A burning Candle is…
1. A chemical change
2. A physical change
3. Both
A burning Candle is…
1. A chemical change
2. A physical change
3. Both
Most real world processes
involve both kinds
 When a candle burns…
 Heat from the flame melts (physical
change) and pyrolyzes (chemical change)
wax components into gaseous vapors
 Vapors burn with oxygen to form carbon
dioxide and water (chemical change)
Phases of Fire
Phases of Fire

Paraffin wax
Phases of Fire
Phases of Fire
Phases of Fire

Fuel vapor cloud forms

from melting of solid
wax and pyrolysis of
paraffin wax (e.g., C18) to
shorter fragments (e.g.,
C2 - C5)
Phases of Fire

Heat from the flame

provides energy to start
breaking bonds in fuel
and O2 so that energy-
releasing rearrangements
can occur
Phases of Fire

A flame forms around the

wick as a ball of hot fuel
gases that come in
contact with the air at the
edges
Phases of Fire

Let’s zoom in for a

closer look here

A flame forms around the

wick as a ball of hot fuel
gases that come in
contact with the air at the
edges
Phases of Fire

A reaction zone forms where fuel vapors and O2

come into contact.
Phases of Fire

Ethene, a gaseous
C2 fragment
H H
C=C O=O
H H

A reaction zone forms where fuel vapors and O2

come into contact.
Phases of Fire

O=C=O
+
H-O-H

H H
C=C O=O
H H

CO2 and H2O are produced as products. They

dissipate in the turbulent mixing above the flame
Flaming combustion occurs in the gas phase
Flaming combustion occurs in the gas phase
Fires generate their own local weather
In September 2006, the Derby Mountain fire actively
generated its own pyrocumulus cloud east of Livingston!
Gas Phase Burning Demo
 Solutions can minimize surface energy in
two ways:
Beading up
Preferentially pumping the component with
the lower surface tension to the surface
Minimizing Surface Energy
 The solution in which I soaked the $1.00
dollar bill contained a 50:50 mix of alcohol
and water

$
Minimizing Surface Energy
 As long as alcohol is present, it’s pumped to
the surface because of its lower surface
tension

alcohol
$ water/alcohol
solution
Minimizing Surface Energy
 As long as alcohol is present, it keeps being
pumped to the surface where it vaporizes
and burns in the gas phase

alcohol
$ water/alcohol
solution
Minimizing Surface Energy
 When the alcohol is depleted, the burning
stops and the wet dollar bill remains
unharmed

Just water now

$
Phases of Fire

The interior of the fuel vapor ball contains soot

particles (little balls of solid carbon) that are
heated to various temperatures -- yellow hotter
than orange hotter than red
Phases of Fire

1400oC
800oC

The interior of the fuel vapor ball contains soot

particles (little balls of solid carbon) that are
heated to various temperatures -- yellow hotter
than orange hotter than red
Phases of Fire

When local turbulence disturbs the reaction zone

envelope, some unburned soot particles escape as
cool black smoke particulates that are less than 1
micron (micrometer) in diameter
Black soot is most prevalent in turbulent
flaming combustion zones
Black soot is most prevalent in turbulent
flaming combustion zones
Flaming combustion occurs in the gas phase
Glowing Combustion
 In flaming combustion, the reaction zone is
established where out-flowing fuel vapors
collide with incoming O2 molecules
 In glowing combustion, the reaction zone
must travel to the surface of the solid fuel
 This often persists long after the flaming
combustion has subsided
Glowing Combustion

O2 O2 O2 O2 O2
Glowing Combustion

White mineral ash is

left behind
Glowing Combustion

Ash is rich in
potassium carbonate,
K2CO3 (potash)
Glowing Combustion

Tarry smoke emerges

wherever incomplete
combustion occurs
Glowing Combustion

Char is unburned fuel

that has lost the more
volatile components
Exponential Notation
 The numbers associated with atoms often
get too big or too small to be convenient to
write in decimal notation
 We’ll use exponential notation to make it
simpler
 Scientific notation is best for our purposes –
it places a decimal after the first non-zero
digit
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

Place a decimal after the first non-zero digit

(to make it scientific notation).
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

2.95
Place a decimal after the first non-zero digit
(to make it scientific notation).
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

2.95
Place a decimal after the first non-zero digit
(to make it scientific notation).
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2.95
Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2.95 x 10 ? atoms
Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2.95 x 10 22 atoms
Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2.95 x 10 22 atoms
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2.95 x 10 22 atoms

POSITIVE exponents tell us how many

places to the LEFT we’ve moved.
The number of copper atoms
in a pre-1982 penny...

029 500 000 000 000 000 000 000 atoms

21 18 15 12 9 6 3

2.95 x 10 22 atoms

Numbers with POSITIVE exponents are BIG

The weight of a single copper
atom...
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

Place a decimal after the first non-zero digit.

The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

2.3
Place a decimal after the first non-zero digit.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

2.3
Place a decimal after the first non-zero digit.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

2.3
Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

2.3
Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

2.3 x 10? lbs

Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

2.3 x 10-25 lbs

Now count how many places the decimal has
been moved.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

2.3 x 10-25 lbs

NEGATIVE exponents tell us how many
places to the RIGHT we’ve moved.
The weight of a single copper
atom...

0.000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 23 lbs

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

2.3 x 10-25 lbs

Numbers with NEGATIVE exponents are SMALL

The correct scientific notation for
0.000 000 000 000 041 is…

1. 41 x 10-15
2. 4.1 x 1014
3. 4.1 x 10-14
4. 4.1 x 10-15
The correct scientific notation for
0.000 000 000 000 041 is…
3 6 9 12

1. 41 x 10-15
14 places to the right
2. 4.1 x 1014
3. 4.1 x 10-14 scientific notation
4. 4.1 x 10-15
The correct scientific notation for
0.000 000 000 000 041 is…
3 6 9 12
15 places to the right
1. 41 x 10 -15

2. 4.1 x 1014 engineering notation

3. 4.1 x 10-14 (the exponent is
evenly divisible by
4. 4.1 x 10-15 three)
Calculations with scientific
notation
 Rules are given in any standard textbook
 Different rules apply for
multiplication/division vs.
addition/subtraction
 Most common error is entering scientific
notation on your calculator
 Need to learn the “exp” or “EE” key or the
“x10x” key
Entering scientific notation…
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
0
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
0
2
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
0
2
“exp” or “EE” or “x10x”
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
0
2 On many
“exp” or “EE” or “x10calculators
x
” this
is a “2nd + EE”
sequence where
EE means “Enter
Exponent”
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
0
2
“exp” or “EE” or “x10x”
2
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Press...
6
.
0
2
“exp” or “EE” or “x10x”
2
3
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023 Notice that there
Press... is no “x 10” in
6 this sequence
. unless you have
0 the “x10x” key!
2
“exp” or “EE” or “x10x”
2
3
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023 Say “x 10” as
Press... you press the
6 “exp” or “EE”
. key
0
2
“exp” or “EE” or “x10x”
2
3
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023
They should have
Press... marked the key
6 “x10x”, but they
.
0
didn’t ask me!
2
“exp” or “EE” or “x10x”
2
3
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Calculators with fancy screens (like TI-

84’s) do let you enter this as
6.02x10^23
Entering scientific notation…
To enter 6.02 x 1023

Calculators with fancy screens (like TI-

84’s) do let you enter this as
6.02x10^23

But that’s 2 or 3 more key strokes and

requires lots of extra parens during
calculations!
Entering scientific notation…
 However you enter it, the correct result of
your calculator display after you press
ENTER should look something like one of
these:
6.0223 or 6.02E 23
or 6.02e+23
Entering scientific notation…
 However you enter it, the correct result of
your calculator display after you press
ENTER should look something like one of
these:
6.0223 or 6.02E 23
or 6.02e+23
If your display reads 6.0224 or
6.02e24, you blew it (x10)!
We’ll do calculations like...
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4

My keystroke sequence is:

3 . 5 2nd EE 3 x2 / 4 . 1 2nd EE (-) 4

And displays as: 15 key strokes

3.5E32/4.1E-4
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4

My keystroke sequence is:

3 . 5 2nd EE 3 x2 / 4 . 1 2nd EE (-) 4

And displays as:

3.5E32/4.1E-4 This is the sign change key on
my calculator. Yours may say
+/- or something like that
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4

My keystroke sequence is:

3 . 5 2nd EE 3 x2 / 4 . 1 2nd EE (-) 4

(3.5E3)2/(4.1E-4) Using the EE key bonds the

digits and the exponent into two
numbers for the calculation
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4

Non EE key use would require two sets of parens:

( 3 . 5 x 1 0 ^ 3 ) x2 / ( 4 . 1 x 1 0 ^ (-) 4 )

And displays as: 23 key strokes

(3.5 *10^3)2/(4.1*10^-4)
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4

Without the parens, the calculator would interpret

3 . 5 x 1 0 ^ 3 x2 / 4 . 1 x 1 0 ^ (-) 4

as:
(3.5 ) x (103)2 / (4.1) x (10-4) four numbers!
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
4.1 x 10 -4

Without the parens, the calculator would interpret

3 . 5 x 1 0 ^ 3 x2 / 4 . 1 x 1 0 ^ (-) 4

as: Two errors would creep in:

(3.5 ) x (103)2 / (4.1) x (10-4) 3.5 should be squared
should divide by 10-4
We’ll do calculations like...

You choose which one to use.

(3.5 x 10 3 ) 2
They both give the correct
4.1 x 10 -4 answer.

Non EE key use would require two sets of parens:

( 3 . 5 x 1 0 ^ 3 ) x2 / ( 4 . 1 x 1 0 ^ (-) 4 )

And displays as: 23 key strokes

(3.5 *10^3)2/(4.1*10^-4)
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

= 2.987804878 x 10 10
Significant Figures
 The USPS issued a dinosaur stamp sheet in
1996
 The stamp sheet reads “A scene in Colorado
150,000,000 years ago”
A scene in Colorado 150 million years ago

©USPS
1996

The World of Dinosaur stamps was issued on May 1, 1997 in Grand Junction, Colorado,

USA. This set of fifteen U.S stamps feature prehistoric dinosaurs from North America
during Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Significant Figures
 The USPS issued a dinosaur stamp sheet in
1996
 The stamp sheet reads “A scene in Colorado
150,000,000 years ago”
 Since it’s now 2015, shouldn’t we say “A
scene in Colorado 150,000,019 years ago”?
Significant Figures
 The USPS issued a dinosaur stamp sheet in
1996
 The stamp sheet reads “A scene in Colorado
150,000,000 years ago”
 Since it’s now 2015, shouldn’t we say “A
scene in Colorado 150,000,019 years ago”?
 Significant figures do not include uncertain
digits or place-holding zeroes.
Significant Figures
 The USPS issued a dinosaur stamp sheet in
1996
 The stamp sheet reads “A scene in Colorado
150,000,000 years ago”
 Since it’s now 2015, shouldn’t we say “A
scene in Colorado 150,000,019 years ago”?
 Significant figures do not include uncertain
digits or place-holding zeroes.
Significant Figures
 The USPS issued a dinosaur stamp sheet in
1996
 The stamp sheet reads “A scene in Colorado
150,000,000 years ago”
 Since it’s now 2015, shouldn’t we say “A
scene in Colorado 150,000,019 years ago”?
 Significant figures do not include uncertain
digits or place-holding zeroes.
Significant Figures
 The USPS issued a dinosaur stamp sheet in
1996
 The stamp sheet reads “A scene in Colorado
150,000,000 years ago”
 Since it’s now 2015, shouldn’t we say “A
scene in Colorado 150,000,019 years ago”
 Significant figures do not include uncertain
digits or place-holding zeroes.

Only 2 significant figures

We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

Values used only = 2.987804878 x 10 10

have two
significant
figures
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

Values used only = 2.987804878 x 10 10

have two
significant
figures
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

Values used only = 2.987804878 x 10 10

have two
significant Uncertain digits
figures
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

= 2.987804878 x 10 10
Two
significant
figures in our = 3.0 x 10 10
answer
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

= 2.987804878 x 10 10
This requires
rounding
= 3.0 x 10 10
We’ll do calculations like...

(3.5 x 10 3 ) (3.5 x 10 3 ) 1.225 x 10 7

=
4.1 x 10 -4 4.1 x 10 -4

= 2.987804878 x 10 10

= 3.0 x 10 10
Significant Figure Practice
 Determining significant figures is a snap
 No decimal present? Toss out any trailing
zeroes
 Decimal present? Toss out any leading
zeroes
How many sig figs in 0.0003007?

1. 2
2. 4
3. 7
4. 8
How many sig figs in 0.0003007?

1. 2
2. 4
3. 7
4. 8
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
A decimal is present
so we drop the
leading zeroes
How many sig figs in 15.00?
1. 2
2. 3
3. 4
How many sig figs in 15.00?
1. 2
2. 3
3. 4
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
A decimal is
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
present but
there are no
leading zeroes
to drop!
How many sig figs in 1200?
1. 2
2. 3
3. 4
How many sig figs in 1200?
1. 2
2. 3
3. 4
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
 1200 (2 sig figs)
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
 1200 (2 sig figs)

No decimal present so we drop trailing zeroes

Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
 1200 (2 sig figs)
What if there were actually 3 or 4 sig figs?
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
 1200 (2 sig figs)
What if there were actually 3 or 4 sig figs?
1.2 x 103 (2 sig figs) 1.20 x 103 (3 sig figs)
……1.200 x 103 (4 sig figs)
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
 1200 (2 sig figs)
All figs are sig in scientific notation!!!!!!
1.2 x 103 (2 sig figs) 1.20 x 103 (3 sig figs)
……1.200 x 103 (4 sig figs)
Significant Figure Practice
 0.0003007 (4 sig figs)
 15.00 (4 sig figs, we wouldn’t have
……………….written those last two zero’s
……………….if they weren’t measurable)
 1200 (2 sig figs)
Decimal present but no leading zeroes
1.2 x 103 (2 sig figs) 1.20 x 103 (3 sig figs)
……1.200 x 103 (4 sig figs)
Try this one now
(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)
6.9 x 10 3 = ?

1. 6.6 x 10-7
2. 6.6159 x 10-13
3. 2.2 x 10-2
4. 6.6 x 10-13
Try this one now
(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)
6.9 x 10 3 = ?

1. 6.6 x 10-7
2. 6.6159 x 10-13
3. 2.2 x 10-2
4. 6.6 x 10-13
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =

Here’s the button sequence I would use:

8 . 3 0 2nd EE (-) 4 x 5 . 5 2nd EE (-) 6  6 . 9 2nd EE 3
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =

Here’s the button sequence I would use:

8 . 3 0 2nd EE (-) 4 x 5 . 5 2nd EE (-) 6  6 . 9 2nd EE 3

For negative exponents use the sign change

key (-), not the subtract key
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =

Here’s the button sequence I would use:

8 . 3 0 2nd EE (-) 4 x 5 . 5 2nd EE (-) 6  6 . 9 2nd EE 3

Hit the times key before

any number on top
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =

Here’s the button sequence I would use:

8 . 3 0 2nd EE (-) 4 x 5 . 5 2nd EE (-) 6  6 . 9 2nd EE 3

Hit the divide key before

any number on bottom
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -13

Here’s the button sequence I would use:

8 . 3 0 2nd EE (-) 4 x 5 . 5 2nd EE (-) 6  6 . 9 2nd EE 3
Try this one now...
3 sig. figs.
(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)
6.9 x 10 3 =
2 sig. figs. 6.615942028986 x 10 -13

Our answer should have no more sig figs than any of

our starting values
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
2 sig. figs. 6.615942028986 x 10 -13

= 6.6 x 10 -13

Our answer should have no more sig figs than any of

our starting values
A subtle calculator error

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -13

= 6.6 x 10 -13

Some of you may have experienced a subtle calculator

error if you didn’t use the “EE” key!
A subtle calculator error

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -7

= 6.6 x 10 -7

Some of you may have experienced a subtle calculator

error if you didn’t use the “EE” key! You got the
wrong exponent.
A subtle calculator error

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -7

= 6.6 x 10 -7

Here’s what you probably pushed:

8.30x10^-4x5.5x10^-66.9x10^3
Error here!
A subtle calculator error

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -7

= 6.6 x 10 -7

The calculator interpreted it as:

(8.30) x (10-4) x (5.5) x (10-6)  (6.9) x (103)
A subtle calculator error

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -7

= 6.6 x 10 -7

Every time it sees a “x” or “”, it puts parens on the prior value
(8.30) x (10-4) x (5.5) x (10-6)  (6.9) x (103)
A subtle calculator error

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =
6.615942028986 x 10 -7

= 6.6 x 10 -7

Which is equivalent to:

(8.30) x (10-4) x (5.5) x (10-6) x 103
(6.9)
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =

Again, here’s the button sequence I used:

8 . 3 0 2nd EE (-) 4 x 5 . 5 2nd EE (-) 6  6 . 9 2nd EE 3
Try this one now...

(8.30 x 10 -4)(5.5 x 10 -6)

6.9 x 10 3 =

Which the calculator interprets correctly as:

(8.30E–4) x (5.5E–6)  (6.9E3)
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300
3. 23000
4. 0.023
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300 The negative exponent
means we’re dealing with
3. 23000
a number less than 1.
4. 0.023
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300 The negative exponent
means we’re dealing with
3. 23000
a number less than 1.
4. 0.023
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300 -3 means we’ve moved
the decimal point three
3. 23000
places to the right from
4. 0.023 where it originally was
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300 -3 means we’ve moved
the decimal point three
3. 23000
places to the right from
4. 0.023 where it originally was

0002.3
3 places
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300 -3 means we’ve moved
the decimal point three
3. 23000
places to the right from
4. 0.023 where it originally was

0.0023
3 places
What is 2.3 x 10-3 written as a
non-exponential number?
1. 0.0023
2. 2300 -3 means we’ve moved
the decimal point three
3. 23000
places to the right from
4. 0.023 where it originally was

0.0023
Express 56 100 000 000 in
scientific notation
1. 5.61 x 109
2. 5.61 x 10-10
3. 5.61 x 1010
4. 5.61 x 1011
Express 56 100 000 000 in
scientific notation
1. 5.61 x 109
2. 5.61 x 10-10
3. 5.61 x 1010
4. 5.61 x 1011

Our answer will have a

positive exponent since the
number is bigger than 1
Express 56 100 000 000 in
scientific notation
1. 5.61 x 109
We need to move
2. 5.61 x 10-10 the decimal 10
3. 5.61 x 1010 places to position it
between the first
4. 5.61 x 1011 two non-zero digits

56 100 000 000

9 6 3
Express 56 100 000 000 in
scientific notation
1. 5.61 x 109
We need to move
2. 5.61 x 10-10 the decimal 10
3. 5.61 x 1010 places to position it
between the first
4. 5.61 x 1011 two non-zero digits

56 100 000 000

9 6 3
How many sig figs?
 0.00003500
How many sig figs?
 0.00003500 4 decimal present
….toss leading zeros
How many sig figs?
 0.00003500 4 decimal present
….toss leading zeros
 6,700,300 000
How many sig figs?
 0.00003500 4 decimal present
….toss leading zeros
 6,700,300 000 5 no decimal present
….toss trailing zeros
How many sig figs?
 0.00003500 4 decimal present
….toss leading zeros
 6,700,300 000 5 no decimal present
….toss trailing zeros
 327.000
How many sig figs?
 0.00003500 4 decimal present
….toss leading zeros
 6,700,300 000 5 no decimal present
….toss trailing zeros
 327.000 6 decimal present
no leading zeros
Calculate with sig figs…
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= ?

1. 3 x 1011
2. 1.5 x 107
3. 1 x 107
4. 3.0 x 1011
Calculate with sig figs…
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= ?

Here’s my button sequence:

4 . 2 2nd EE 3  2 2nd EE (-) 6  7 . 1 2nd EE (-) 3
Calculate with sig figs…
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= ?

The calculator sees it as:

(4.2E3)  (2E–6)  (7.1E– 3) =
2.957746479 x 1011
Calculate with sig figs…
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= ?

The calculator sees it as:

(4.2E3)  (2E–6)  (7.1E– 3) =
2.957746479 x 1011

How many sig figs?

Calculate with sig figs…
2 s.f.
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= ?
1 s.f. 2 s.f.

The calculator sees it as:

(4.2E3)  (2E–6)  (7.1E– 3) =
2.957746479 x 1011

How many sig figs?

Calculate with sig figs…
2 s.f.
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= ?
1 s.f. 2 s.f.

The calculator sees it as:

(4.2E3)  (2E–6)  (7.1E– 3) =
2.957746479 x 1011

How many sig figs? We only get 1 s.f.!

Calculate with sig figs…
2 s.f.
4.2 x 10 3
(2 x 10 -6)(7.1 x 10 -3)
= 3 x 1011
1 s.f. 2 s.f.

The calculator sees it as:

(4.2E3)  (2E–6)  (7.1E– 3) =
2.957746479 x 1011

How many sig figs? We only get 1 s.f.!

1.4 Measurements
 Measurements consist of two
parts…
 A number
 The associated units
Consider a distance of 872
 872 miles
 872 light years
 872 nanometers
 872 smoots
Unit Systems
 Metric
 Systeme International d’Unites (SI)
 English
Unit Systems
 Metric
 Systeme International d’Unites (SI)
 English
 Only still in use in US, Liberia and Burma
 Although many metric units used in US,
e.g., mg in doses of medicine and L for
large soda bottles
Basic metric system
 Length in meters (m)
 Volume in cubic meters (m3) or
liters (L) or cm3 (cc’s)
 Mass in grams (g)
 Time in seconds (s)
Unit prefixes
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
milli
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
milli micro
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
milli micro nano
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
milli micro nano
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
Nicer to say
550 nanometers (nm)
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
milli micro nano
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
thousandths
Nicer to say
millionths
550 nanometers (nm) billionths
Unit prefixes

Units often turn out to be inconveniently

large or small.

Green light is 0. 000 000 550

m
milli micro nano
(5.50 x 10-7 m)
thousandths
Nicer to say
millionths
550 nanometers (nm) billionths
550 billionths of a meter
Unit prefixes to learn...
Table 1.2 (page 9)
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths

I’ve placed a 1 in front of each prefixed

unit in this table
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 Gee! billions
mega- (M) 106 Megan millions
kilo- (k) 103 killed thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 Desi’s tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 scent. hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 Millie thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 microwaved millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 Nan’s billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 Piccolo. trillionths

Here’s two nonsense phrases to

help you remember these prefixes
in order
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
1. 0.0327 mL
2. 3.27 mL
3. 32.7 mL
4. 327 mL
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths

Find the best prefix by looking for an exponent equal to or

smaller than your value. We have 3.27 x 10-5, so
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths

Find the best prefix by looking for an exponent equal to

or smaller than your value. We have 3.27 x 10-5, so
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths

Values that have an exponent of 10-6 or 10-5 or 10-4

can be nicely expressed using the prefix micro
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths
10-6 = 1 – 9
10-5 = 10 – 99 3.27 x 10-5
10-4 = 100 – 999
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
1. 0.0327 mL
2. 3.27 mL
3. 32.7 mL
4. 327 mL
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
1. 0.0327 mL
2. 3.27 mL
3. 32.7 mL
4. 327 mL
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
 Written in non-exponential form this is
 0. 000 032 7 L
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
 Written in non-exponential form this is
 0. 000 032 7 L
milli
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
 Written in non-exponential form this is
 0. 000 032 7 L
milli micro
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
 Written in non-exponential form this is
 0. 000 032 7 L
milli micro

Answer: 32.7 mL
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g billions
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g millions
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g thousands
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g tenths
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g hundredths
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g thousandths
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g millionths
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g billionths
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g trillionths
How many microliters (mL) are
there in 3.27 x 10-5 L?
 Written in non-exponential form this is
 0. 000 032 7 L
milli micro
32.7 millionths

Answer: 32.7 mL
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g
2. 3.50 g
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g
4. 350 x 10-3 g
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Just replace the “m”
2. 3.50 g for “milli-” with the
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g exponent from the
4. 350 x 10-3 g prefix table

350 mg
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Just replace the “m”
2. 3.50 g for “milli-” with the
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g exponent from the
4. 350 x 10-3 g prefix table

350 mg
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Just replace the “m”
2. 3.50 g for “milli-” with the
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g exponent from the
4. 350 x 10-3 g prefix table

350 x 10-3 g
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Now enter this
2. 3.50 g number in your
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g calculator using the
4. 350 x 10-3 g proper keystrokes…
3 5 0 “EE” (-) 3
350 x 10-3 g
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Now enter this
2. 3.50 g number in your
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g calculator using the
4. 350 x 10-3 g proper keystrokes…
3 5 0 “EE” (-) 3
3.50 x 10-1 g
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Now enter this
2. 3.50 g number in your
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g calculator using the
4. 350 x 10-3 g proper keystrokes…
3 5 0 “EE” (-) 3
3.50 x 10-1 g
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
This is an equivalent
1. 0.350 g
answer!
2. 3.50 g
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g
4. 350 x 10-3 g

3.50 x 10-1 g
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
This is an equivalent
1. 0.350 g
answer!
2. 3.50 g
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g
4. 350 x 10-3 g As is this!

3.50 x 10-1 g
milli- means 10-3
How many grams are in 350
milligrams (mg)?
1. 0.350 g Floating or fixed point
2. 3.50 g decimal notation
3. 3.50 x 10-1 g Scientific notation
4. 350 x 10-3 g
Engineering notation

3.50 x 10-1 g
milli- means 10-3
Temperature Systems
 Metric: Celsius (or centigrade)

 SI: Kelvin

 English: Fahrenheit
Celsius vs. Kelvin
 Both scales have the same size of degree
 100 steps between freezing point and
boiling point of water
 Celsius goes from 0 to 100
 Kelvin goes from 273 to 373
Fahrenheit Scale
 Has 180 steps between freezing and boiling
points of water
 1o Celsius = 1.8o Fahrenheit

 The scales also differ in their starting points

 32 oF = 0 oC
Temperature Scales

Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin

Freezing Point of Water

32 0 273 Water
freezes

Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin

Boiling Point of Water
Water
212 100 373
boils

32 0 273 Water
freezes

Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin

Absolute Zero
Water
212 100 373
boils

32 0 273 Water
freezes

Absolute
-459 -273 0
zero
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
Body Temperature
Water
212 100 373
boils
98.6 37 310
32 0 273 Water
freezes

Absolute
-459 -273 0
zero
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
Crossover Point
Water
212 100 373
boils
98.6 37 310
32 0 273 Water
freezes
-40 -40 233

Absolute
-459 -273 0
zero
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
Crossover Point
Water
212 100 373
boils
98.6 37 310
32 0 273 Water
freezes
-40 -40 233
Fahrenheit and Celsius
thermometers read the
same at -40o!
Absolute
-459 -273 0
zero
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
Extra Credit Challenge
 What is the coldest official air temperature
ever recorded in the 48 contiguous states
(omit Alaska and Hawaii) and where was
that measured?
Celsius/Kelvin Conversions
 K = oC + 273

 o
C = K - 273
If the temperature outside is
263 K, what season is it?
(Calculate the equivalent oC)

1. Summer
2. Fall
3. Winter
4. Spring
If the temperature outside is
263 K, what season is it?
(Calculate the equivalent oC)
C = K - 273
o

1. Summer
2. Fall
We’ll use the “oC =“
3. Winter form since we want our
4. Spring answer in oC.
If the temperature outside is
263 K, what season is it?
(Calculate the equivalent oC)
o
C = K - 273
1. Summer o
C = 263 - 273
2. Fall
3. Winter
4. Spring
If the temperature outside is
263 K, what season is it?
(Calculate the equivalent oC)
o
C = K - 273
1. Summer o
C = 263 - 273
2. Fall
3. Winter
4. Spring
If the temperature outside is
263 K, what season is it?
(Calculate the equivalent oC)
o
C = K - 273
1. Summer o
C = 263 - 273
2. Fall o
C = - 10 (Brr! It feels
3. Winter …………like winter!)
4. Spring
If the temperature outside is
263 K, what season is it?
(Calculate the equivalent oC)
o
C = K - 273
1. Summer o
C = 263 - 273
2. Fall o
C = - 10 (Brr! It feels
3. Winter …………like winter!)
4. Spring
Fahrenheit Scale
 Has 180 steps between freezing and boiling
points of water
 1o Celsius = 1.8o Fahrenheit

 The scales also differ in their starting points

 32 oF = 0 oC
Crossover Point
Water
212 100 373
boils
98.6 37 310
32 0 273 Water
freezes
-40 -40 233

Absolute
-459 -273 0
zero
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
Celsius/Fahrenheit Conversions

o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
Celsius/Fahrenheit Conversions

o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32

(oF - 32)
o
C =
1.8
Celsius/Fahrenheit Conversions

o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32

(oF - 32)
o
C =
1.8
Here’s the adjustment Some books use 9/5 or
for the difference in 5/9 instead of the 1.8
degree size (180 steps
vs. 100 steps)
Celsius/Fahrenheit Conversions

o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
Here’s the zero
point offset
(oF - 32) adjustment
o
C =
1.8
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(oF - 32)
o
C =
1.8
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(oF - 32)
o
C =
1.8
We use this
form because
we want our
answer in oC
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(oF - 32)
o
C =
1.8
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(-3 - 32)
o
C =
1.8
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(-3 - 32)
o
C = Need parens
1.8 here to force
subtraction
before
division
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(-3 - 32)
o
C = Need parens
Keystroke sequence is:
1.8 here to force
( (-) 3 - 3 2 )  1 . 8 subtraction
before
division
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(-3 - 32) -35

o
C = =
1.8 1.8
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(-3 - 32) -35

o
C = =
1.8 1.8
= -19.4444444 oC
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale? In subtracting, sig fig rules say
retain the fewest decimal places
(-3 - 32) -35
o
C = =
1.8 1.8
= -19.4444444 oC
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale? Both the 3 and the 32 are good
to 1 degree, so answer is too.
(-3 - 32) -35
o
C = =
1.8 1.8
= -19.4444444 oC
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?
2 s.f.
(-3 - 32) -35
o
C = =
1.8 1.8 2 s.f.

= -19.4444444 oC
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?
2 s.f.
(-3 - 32) -35
o
C = =
1.8 1.8 2 s.f.

= -19.4444444 oC = -19 oC
2 s.f.
Check your answer...
Water
212 100 373
boils
98.6 37 310
32 0 273 Water
freezes
-3 -19
-40 -40 233

Absolute
-459 -273 0
zero
Fahrenheit Celsius Kelvin
A Sample Calculation…..

 On January 23rd, 2008 the overnight low

temperature at the Missoula International airport
was -3 oF.
 What is the equivalent temperature on the
Celsius scale?

(-3 - 32) -35

o
C = =
You get -20.8 C
o
1.8 1.8
if you forget to = -19.4444444 oC = -19 oC
include parens!
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?

1. -8.9 oF
2. 86.4 oF
3. 60.8
4. 61
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?
o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
1. -8.9 oF
2. 86.4 oF
3. 60.8
4. 61
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?
o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
1. -8.9 oF o
F = (1.8 x 16) + 32
2. 86.4 oF
3. 60.8
4. 61
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?
o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
1. -8.9 oF o
F = (1.8 x 16) + 32
2. 86.4 oF o
F = (28.8) + 32
3. 60.8
4. 61
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?
o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
1. -8.9 oF o
F = (1.8 x 16) + 32
2. 86.4 oF o
F = (28.8) + 32
3. 60.8 o
F = 60.8
4. 61
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?
o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
1. -8.9 oF o
F = (1.8 x 16) + 32
2. 86.4 oF o
F = (28.8) + 32
3. 60.8 o
F = 60.8
4. 61 o
F = 61

(with sig figs – 28.8 should

be rounded up to 29)
If the temperature is 16oC, what
is this in oF?
o
F = (1.8 x oC) + 32
1. -8.9 oF o
F = (1.8 x 16) + 32
2. 86.4 oF o
F = (28.8) + 32
3. 60.8 o
F = 60.8
4. 61 o
F = 61
Unit Conversions
 Lab, clinic or field situations often require
information in a form different from the way
it’s supplied
 How many grams of a chemical are needed to
make the right solution concentration?
 How many cc’s of medication (based on a patient’s
weight) is the proper dose?
 How much of a toxic substance will be passed up
the food-chain if an osprey eats a contaminated
fish?
The Factor-Label Method
 Uses conversion factors to go between unit
systems
The Factor-Label Method
 Uses conversion factors to go between unit
systems

Starting
x
quantity
The Factor-Label Method
 Uses conversion factors to go between unit
systems

Starting Conversion
x
quantity factor(s)
The Factor-Label Method
 Uses conversion factors to go between unit
systems

Starting Conversion Equivalent

x =
quantity factor(s) quantity
Conversion Factors
 In use, a conversion factor will appear as a
fraction
Conversion Factors
 In use, a conversion factor will appear as a
fraction
1.609 km
1.000 mile

See Table 1.3, page 9

Conversion Factors
 In use, a conversion factor will appear as a
fraction
1.609 km 1.000 mile
or
1.000 mile 1.609 km

See Table 1.3, page 9

Conversion Factors
 In use, a conversion factor will appear as a
fraction
1.609 km 1.000 mile
or
1.000 mile 1.609 km

 The orientation depends on which one

makes units cancel

See Table 1.3, page 9

Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).
 It commemorates the legendary feat of
Pheidippides who ran from Marathon to
Athens in 490 B.C.E. to announce the
Greek victory over the Persians.
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

Starting quantity
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

26.22 miles
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

26.22 miles Units of

answer
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

26.22 miles km
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

26.22 miles km

Now acquire a conversion factor that

relates miles and km
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

26.22 miles km

Arrange it so that miles are on the

bottom and will cancel out
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles km
1.000 mile
Arrange it so that miles are on the
bottom and will cancel out
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

Miles will cancel out

Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

Remaining units are same

as answer units
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

Now do the math

Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

26.22 x 1.609
1.000
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

26.22 x 1.609 The 1.000

drops out
1.000
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

26.22 x 1.609 Now multiply

Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

42.187980
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
1.000 mile

42.187980 Round to correct

sig figs
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).
4 s.f.
1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
4 s.f. 1.000 mile
4 s.f.

42.187980 Round to correct

42.187980 Drop uncertain

digits with
rounding
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).
4 s.f.
1.609 km
26.22 miles x km
4 s.f. 1.000 mile
4 s.f.

42.19 Drop uncertain

digits with
rounding
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x = 42.19 km
1.000 mile
Sample calculation...
 In the Olympics, how long is the marathon
event in kilometers? I know it’s 26.22
miles long (26 miles 385 yds).

1.609 km
26.22 miles x = 42.19 km
1.000 mile
Starting Conversion Equivalent
x =
quantity factor(s) quantity
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

4.5 x 10-5 g
Starting value
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

4.5 x 10-5 g mg
Starting value Answer units
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

4.5 x 10-5 g mg
Starting value Answer units
Obtain conversion
factor
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
mg
10-6 g
Orient so that units cancel
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g
Unit prefixes to learn...
giga- (G) 109 1 Gg = 109 g
mega- (M) 106 1 Mg = 106 g
kilo- (k) 103 1 kg = 103 g
deci- (d) 10-1 1 dg = 10-1 g
centi- (c) 10-2 1 cg = 10-2 g
milli- (m) 10-3 1 mg = 10-3 g Aha!
micro- (m) 10-6 1 mg = 10-6 g Here’s
nano- (n) 10-9 1 ng = 10-9 g what we
pico- (p) 10-12 1 pg = 10-12g want.
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
mg
10-6 g
Orient so that units cancel
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= mg
10-6 g
Do the math
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= mg
10-6 g
4.5 x 10-5
1.0 x 10-6
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= mg
10-6 g
Here’s what you
may need on your 4.5 x 10-5
calculator for 10-6 1.0 x 10-6
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= mg
10-6 g
45
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= 45 mg
10-6 g
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= 45 mg
10-6 g

The answer makes

sense when viewed
like this...
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= 45 mg
10-6 g

The answer makes

sense when viewed 0.000 045 g
like this...
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= 45 mg
10-6 g

The answer makes

sense when viewed 0.000 045 g
like this... milli
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= 45 mg
10-6 g

The answer makes

sense when viewed 0.000 045 g
like this... milli micro
Another calculation...
 This example shows how to use the metric
prefix table…
 How many micrograms in 4.5 x 10-5 g?

1.0 mg
4.5 x 10 g x
-5
= 45 mg
10-6 g

The answer makes

sense when viewed 0.000 045 g
like this... milli micro
The Factor-Label Method
 A 31.7-kg dog needs valium to suppress
hysteria from 4th of July fireworks. The
prepared solution needs to be administered
at the rate of 2.3 mL/kg. How many mL of
valium solution should be injected?

Starting Conversion Equivalent

31.7 kg dog 73 mL soln

Starting Conversion Equivalent

x =
quantity factor(s) quantity
The Factor-Label Method
 A 31.7-kg dog needs valium to suppress
hysteria from 4th of July fireworks. The
prepared solution needs to be administered
at the rate of 2.3 mL/kg. How many mL of
valium solution should be injected?
2.3 mL soln
31.7 kg dog x = 73 mL soln
1.0 kg dog
Do the math: 31.7 x 2.3
1.0
Starting Conversion Equivalent
x =
quantity factor(s) quantity
The Factor-Label Method
 A 31.7-kg dog needs valium to suppress
hysteria from 4th of July fireworks. The
prepared solution needs to be administered
at the rate of 2.3 mL/kg. How many mL of
valium solution should be injected?
2.3 mL soln
31.7 kg dog x = 73 mL soln
1.0 kg dog
Do the math: 72.91

Starting Conversion Equivalent

x =
quantity factor(s) quantity
Chained calculations...
 Sometimes it is necessary to string several
conversion factors together to get from one
set of units to another
 The same strategy holds -- arrange each
term so that units cancel and work towards
those associated with the final answer
Chained calculations...
 Let’s develop the relationship between
hectares and acres
 A hectare is the metric unit used to describe
the area of a forest stand or the habitat used
by a species of wildlife
 A hectare is a square measuring 100 meters
on a side
Chained calculations...
(100 m) 2
Chained calculations...
(100 m) 2

Look up conversion factors.

A useful start is:
1.00 m = 3.28 ft
(I’ll always provide these in
the problem if they’re
“unusual”)
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

Include it twice since meters

appears twice, i.e., it’s
squared
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

Cancel meters2
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

Find next conversion factor

1.0000 acre = (208.71 ft)2
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Add the new factor to the

chain
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Cancel ft 2
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math
100 x 100 x 3.28 x 3.28 x 1.0000
1.00 x 1.00 x 208.71 x 208.71
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math
100 x 100 x 3.28 x 3.28 x 1.0000 Ignore
1.00 x 1.00 x 208.71 x 208.71 the 1’s
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math
100 x 100 x 3.28 x 3.28 x 1.0000 Ignore
1.00 x 1.00 x 208.71 x 208.71 the 1’s
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math
100 x 100 x 3.28 x 3.28 Ignore
208.71 x 208.71 the 1’s
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math
100 x 100 x 3.28 x 3.28
= 2.47
208.71 x 208.71
Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

Do the math = 2.47 acre

Chained calculations...
(3.28 ft) 2
(100 m) 2 x
(1.00 m) 2

1.0000 acre
x
(208.71ft)2

= 2.47 acre
Chained calculations...
 Note we now have a new conversion factor
available!

 1.00 ha = 2.47 acres

 Let’s use it to do a calculation Jane (G.

Starting Conversion Equivalent

x =
quantity factor(s) quantity
Chained calculations...
 Note we now have a new conversion factor
available!

 1.00 ha = 2.47 acres

 Let’s use it to do a calculation Jane (G.

Wiz’s wife) says gets messed up all the time
by her staff writers...
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?
A healthy stand of ponderosa in
Primm Meadow up Gold Creek
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

Note starting units

A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees
1 acre
Note starting units
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees
1 acre
Now note final units
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees
1 acre
Now note final units
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of hectares?

250 trees trees

=
1 acre ha
Now note final units
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees trees

=
1 acre ha
Now note final units
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees trees

=
1 acre ha

Determine units to
get answer
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

Determine units to
get answer
Chained calculations...
 Note we now have a new conversion factor
available!

 1.00 ha = 2.47 acres

 Let’s use it to do a calculation Jane (G.

Wiz’z wife) says gets messed up all the
time by her staff writers...
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

Next, use our new

conversion factor!
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

See, acres cancel out.

A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

See, acres cancel out.

A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

250 x 2.47
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

617.5
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?
2 s.f.
250 trees 2.47 acre 620 trees
x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

617.5
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre 620 trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha
A Hectare calculation...
 A healthy stand of Pinus ponderosa has 250
trees per acre. What is the equivalent stand
density in terms of trees per hectare?

250 trees 2.47 acre 620 trees

x =
1 acre 1.00 ha ha

http://feis-crs.org/beta/
A wildlife issue...
 Here’s a question to let you see how well
you handle a double, chained calculation
 And it provides the answer to an oft asked
question regarding a popular species of
wildlife...
A wildlife issue...
 Here’s a question to let you see how well
you handle a double, chained calculation
 And it provides the answer to an oft asked
question regarding a popular species of
wildlife...the slug!
A wildlife issue...
 A slug expends 0.10 mL of mucus to crawl
1.0 meter
 (If you look at the sidewalk on a sunny
morning you can see some dried trails
emitting a scintillating, silvery light!)
 How many miles per gallon of mucus does
a slug get?
A wildlife issue...
 A slug expends 0.10 mL of mucus to crawl
1.0 meter
 How many miles per gallon of mucus does
a slug get?
A wildlife issue...
 A slug expends 0.10 mL of mucus to crawl
1.0 meter
 How many miles per gallon of mucus does
a slug get?

Starting values
A wildlife issue...
 A slug expends 0.10 mL of mucus to crawl
1.0 meter
 How many miles per gallon of mucus does
a slug get?

Answer units
Chained calculations...
1.0 m
0.10 mL

Start with distance units

on top and volume units
mi
on bottom since the =
answer is miles (distance) gal
over gallons (volume)
Chained calculations...
1.0 m
0.10 mL
Distance units
Volume units

Start with distance units

on top and volume units
mi
on bottom since the =
answer is miles (distance) gal
over gallons (volume)
Chained calculations...
1.0 m 1 km
x
0.10 mL 1000 m
Table 1.2 prefix

Use two conversion

factors to transform
meters to miles mi
=
gal
Chained calculations...
1.0 m 1 km 1.000 mi
x x
0.10 mL 1000 m 1.609 km
Table 1.2 prefix Table 1.3 factor

Use two conversion

factors to transform
meters to miles mi
=
gal
Chained calculations...
1.0 m 1 km 1.000 mi
x x
0.10 mL 1000 m 1.609 km

1 mL
x
0.001 L
Table 1.2 prefix

Now use two more mi

=
conversion factors to gal
change mL to gallons
Chained calculations...
1.0 m 1 km 1.000 mi
x x
0.10 mL 1000 m 1.609 km

1 mL 3.785 L
x x
0.001 L 1.000 gal
Table 1.2 prefix Table 1.3 factor

Now use two more mi

=
conversion factors to gal
change mL to gallons
Chained calculations...
1.0 m 1 km 1.000 mi
x x
0.10 mL 1000 m 1.609 km