#chemhelp

This has been sitting in my inbox for a while, because I wanted to give you the best advice I could!

If you’re not doing so well in high school chem, don’t get too discouraged- a lot of times it is the teacher- not the student. In fact, I struggled with chem in high school too! I didn’t really get it until I had someone explain it to me better in college.

If that is your issue, I would suggest group studying. Not just tutoring (although that may be helpful), but studying with peers. If you decide to pursue chemistry in university, that is how you will survive. Your peers may be able to explain concepts to you in ways that your teacher could not, and help you make connections that you previously did not see. You will also be able to explain the parts you do understand, and if you understand something well enough that you can teach it, you understand it enough to ace it on a test!

Other than that, repetition is key. Chemistry is not biology- it is not gross memorization. In order to master chemistry, you need to diligently work at practice problems. You can’t just once over the text book and expect a good grade in this class- studying for chemistry involves math! Doing practice problems, however, will help you figure out what the question is asking for, and reducing a problem to a simple math solution. That way, you can take tests much quicker and with much more ease.

Finally, reach out. If you feel your teacher is ineffective, see if there is a science national honor society at your school. Members of those societies are often obligated to help others who are struggling in those subjects, and will volunteer to help you with homework or test prep.

Thank you! For balancing equations, usually the best thing to do is to first classify it. What are the substances you are reacting (i.e is it an acid? is it a metal? etc.) or can you classify the reaction (is it displacement? oxidation? are electrons exchanged? check the oxidation numbers of the reactants/products!) - there are rules for the different classifications of reactions which you have probably gone through on your course. Always check that the charge balances on each side, having tutored I can say this is a very common mistake.

 Here are a set of rules which should get you through aqueous redox equations (in acidic conditions, i’ll touch on alkaline later). Construct the half equations in the following way, and then combine the half equations to cancel out the electrons.

Constructing half equations:

1. Firstly, balance elements on both sides which are not hydrogen or oxygen

2. Next, balance oxygen by adding water

3. Balance hydrogen by adding H+

4. Balance charge by adding electrons

To make it in alkaline conditions, add the same number of OH- as H+ to both sides to form water on one side (you may then need to cancel out water if it appears on both sides of the equation)

After you’ve constructed the half equations, combine them so that the same number of electrons are on both sides (you may need to multiply up the stoichiometry) so that they cancel. 

Use this comprehensive list to reference common compounds and ions conveniently.  I made this especially to give a lump sum of practice problems for drawing Lewis Structures.  Suggestions and comments appreciated, thanks!