Chem-To-Go Lesson 4Unit 1

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Organized method of scientific calculation used in all upper level sciences

Start with a number and a unit

“Charts”Units are marked

outMarked out units

are diagonal and matching

WHAT IS DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS?

Calculate the number of minutes in 3.61

hours.• Write the given.• Draw the chart.• Think of the relationship.• Split the conversion

factor in ½ at the equal sign.

• Arrange the conversion in the chart to cancel units.

• Multiply by the #s on top, and divide by the #s on bottom.

TEACHING EXAMPLE

How many inches equal 10.7 cm?

• Write the given.• Draw the chart.• Think of the relationship.• Split the conversion

factor in ½ at the equal sign.

• Arrange the conversion in the chart to cancel units.

• Multiply by the #s on top, and divide by the #s on bottom.

SECOND SIMPLE EXAMPLE

Calculate the # of seconds in 2 weeks.

ADVANCED EXAMPLE