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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 22
(2017) pp 201-204
An Effective Alternative Protocol for Solving Stoichiometry Problems
Roberto Ma.
Gregorius
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Canisius College, 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14208, USA, gregorir@canisius.edu
Received August 8, 2017. Accepted December 5, 2017.
Published: 28 Devember 2017
Abstract. An alternative protocol to dimensional analysis for solving applied stoichiometry problems is presented. The alternative protocol uses a visual process of equating reaction units thereby providing the student with a clear delineation of variable placement and protocol steps. Coupled with simple mathematical definitions of certain variables such as moles in terms of grams and molar mass or moles in terms of molarity and liters, the protocol can be expanded to address stoichiometric problems involving number/count, mass, and concentrations. The protocol has been shown to be an effective alternative to dimensional analysis with students performing better at application of and reporting a stronger preference for this protocol.
Key Words: In the Classroom; general chemistry; stoichiometry; protocol; algorithm; dimensional analysis; ratio; reaction unit
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: gregorir@canisius.edu)
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