CHM 2023, Fall 2014

Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida

Pre-Investigation 2: Unit Conversions in Environmental Science

Learning Goals:
Practice conversion of units in scientific calculations
Apply the rules of significant figures in scientific calculations
Apply dimensional analysis to an environmental science context

Required Reading: Sections 1.6-1.8 of your textbook

1. In your own words, describe what the following terms mean to you:
a. dimensional analysis
b. conversion factor

2. Write two conversion factors that arise from the following equivalency: 1 kg = 2.205 lbs

3. In your own words, write a brief summary of the 4-step general problem-solving strategy
described in Section 1.8 of your textbook.

4. Provide an example of a conversion factor which has units raised to a power.