Dimensional Analysis
(Also known as “Unit Conversion")
Objectives:
To recognize the different names for dimensional analysis (DA)
To learn the meaning of DA
To recognize a unit factor and how to use it
To learn a process to solve conversion problems using unit factors
To practice solving conversion problems using unit factors
To apply DA in solving science problems
Outcomes:
To complete a variety of dimensional analysis problems
Warm-Up:
1. An introduction of dimensional analysis, click below:
2. Another introduction to DA and unit multipliers, click here http://math.donnayoung.org/unit_multipliers.htm .
3. DA tutorial, click here http://www.wfu.edu/~ylwong/chem/dimensionanalysis/index.html .
New Instruction:
1 Steps to use in DA problems, click below:
2. DA instruction, click here http://www.chemtutor.com/numbr.htm#da.
3. Another way of teaching DA, click here http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/unitconv/unit1/unit1.html .
4. Canceling units, click here http://www.purplemath.com/modules/units.htm .
5. DA in conversions and calculations, click here http://wine1.sb.fsu.edu/chm1045/notes/Intro/Dimanal/Dimanal.htm .
6. Read a humorous explanation of why you need DA, click here
http://www.chemistrycoach.com/use.htm#Use%20Dimensional%20Analysis .
Feedback and Review:
1. DA instruction with examples and a short quiz with answers, click here http://www.chem.tamu.edu/class/fyp/mathrev/mr-da.html.
2. Linear measure examples and problems using DA, click here http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/unitconv/unit2/unit2.html .
3. Square (area) measure using DA, click here http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/unitconv/unit3/unit3.html .
Note: You do not need to know that 144 square inches equals 1 square foot. You can use 12 inches equals 1 foot twice to get rid of the square inches (remember square inches is inches X inches).
4. Cubic (volume) measure using DA, click here http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/unitconv/unit4/unit4.html
Not: What they show as the longer way really may be the faster way as you do not need to learn any new definitions.
5. Use DA to do some of these measurement problems.
Click here http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0809222329/student_view0/chapter7/chapter_review_quiz.html .
6. Use dimensional analysis with metrics and percents, click here http://chemlab.pc.maricopa.edu/labbooks/04.factorlabel.html .
7. Teaching dimensional analysis in chemistry, click here http://phoenix.liunet.edu/~nmatsuna/dim/dim.anal.html .
8. Teaching dimensional analysis in physics including quizzes, click here http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/tutorials/dimanaly/ .
Transfer of Knowledge or Skills:
1. Ocean math problems with answers, click here http://www.mathgoodies.com/worksheets/ocean_wks_ans.html.
2. Try a math prerequisite test for chemistry, click here http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/pretests/Chem/chemself.htm.
No previous knowledge of chemistry is necessary for this test. Math review materials are available at the end of the test.
3. Chemistry topics (Matter, Atoms, Elements, Reactions, Biochemistry, etc., click here http://www.chem4kids.com/map.html.
4. Basic chemistry, click here http://www.citycollegiate.com/chemistry.htm .
5. Basic physics, click here http://www.citycollegiate.com/physics.htm .
6. Chemistry concepts used in biology, click here http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/tutorials/chemistry/main.html .
7. More chemistry, click here http://www.dbhs.wvusd.k12.ca.us/webdocs/ .
8. Chemistry review (16 chapters) with worksheets and quizzes, click here http://www.fordhamprep.com/gcurran/sho/sho/review/revindex.htm.
9. Scaling the natural world using dimensional analysis, click here http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1991/6/91.06.03.x.html#b .
Note: The numerators/denominators are not written directly over/under the fraction bar in the example problems at this site. The fraction bar is totally missing in the definitions section.
10. Chemistry vocabulary, click here http://www.chemfiesta.com/ and then on “Helpdesk”, and then on “Chemistry Vocabulary”.
11. Use classic hangman while reviewing chemistry terms, click here http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/words/hangman/chemistry.shtml .
12. Chemistry quizzes and the Periodic Table of Elements, click here http://www.1001-periodic-table-quiz-questions.com/ .
13. Balancing equations, click here http://richardbowles.tripod.com/chemistry/balance.htm .
14. More balancing equations, click here http://www.wfu.edu/~ylwong/balanceeq/combust.html.
15. An interactive site on review of chemistry, click here http://www.standarddeviants.com/pls/brain/goldhil.show_subject?p_subject_id=37 .
Note: Other science sites are available on the left margin.