[Chemistry Tips] The Axis of Eval

Hi student,

Continue on more confession from your professors.

"In years past, I wish I could have treated my evals the way the Ohio Secretary of State treated the provisional ballots. Unlike votes, evals count. First, my boss reads them. They are on record to be read by the administration of the school. If I ever decide to apply for another teaching job, they'll read them. I have to read them, for God's sake, usually twice. The only thing that could be worse is if my mother has to read them."

Course evaluation does count. Treat it seriously, especially the comment section. Although this might be an after-the-fact for your course, it does have lasting impact on the instructor and future teaching.

Today's tip: Get to know your professor and it will be paid off at the end.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Confessions ...

Hi student,

Knowing your instructors of the courses you are taking could be very helpful to your study. In the next few days for so, I will select a few confessions by the chemistry professors, whose comments would be insightful in directing what to do for your course.

Here is the first one on the topic of "exam questions":

"Where do I get my exam questions? My best ones often come from the ideas while I am lecturing or answering my students."

For those lecture skippers, you sure miss out a lot. Pay attention to your instructor and it will pay off big at the final. Refer to the Survival Lecture Guide for hints in how to read your instructor's mind during the lecture.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Empirical?

Hi student,

Welcome to another chemistry tip for another day. How is your chemistry? If you are still struggling with chemistry, you should seriously consider to change the way how you study chemistry - understanding the concepts and mastering the problem-solving. These are the core skills I teach in the Chemistry Survival Guide and our Survival Coaching Program.

Today's topic is Empirical Formula vs Molecular Formula. Determination of a formula is the most basic and frequent calculation in chemistry. In some cases, the molecular formula and empirical formula of a given molecule are identical. However, in many cases, the molecular formula is different from the empirical formula. For example, CH is the empirical formula and C6H6 is the molecular formula. Be aware.

Empirical Formula: The simplest chemical formula that expresses the relative number of moles of elements in a compound using the smallest whole numbers. It can be easily calculated with a simple six-step process:
(1) Determine the percent composition of each element;
(2) Assume 100 grams of sample, which automatically converts percent from the previous step to grams;
(3) Calculate the moles for each element by dividing its weight from previous step by its atomic weight;
(4) Set up a formula with the number of moles of each element as subscripts;
(5) Normalize the subscripts by dividing through by the smallest number of moles;
(6) Round up the fractional to whole numbers.

Molecular Formula: A formula indicating the actual number of atoms of each element making up a molecule. In other words, the molecular formula must accurately state the exact number of atoms of all of the elements in one molecule of the substance. Given the empirical formula is known, its molecular formula can be determined via the four-step process:
(1) Determine the molecular mass in grams;
(2) Divide the molecular mass of the compound by the molecular mass of the empirical formula;
(3) Round the quotient to the closest integer;
(4) Multiply the rounded whole number by all the subscripts. The result is the new molecular formula.

That wraps up today's tip. Tomorrow, I will switch gear and talk about your professors/teachers.

Until then, student, keep up your study!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Chemistry Survival Coach"
http://www.ChemistrySurvival.com

PS: This chemistry tip, and many others like it, are part of the "Chemistry Survival Guide", available at: http://www.ChemistrySurvival.com. Systemize your study with the template-based ChemMastery system and learn the secrets of how to master chemistry the easy way.
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[Chemistry Tips] Temperature vs Heat

Hi student,

Today's tip is about temperature vs heat.

They are not the same. Temperature is a measure of the intensity of heat energy. Heat is a measure of the total amount of energy - thermodynamics is the study of heat energy.

Heat = (Mass)(Specific Heat Capacity)(Change in Temperature).

A glass of water and a pool of water may be at the same temperature, but they contain vastly different amounts of heat. It takes much more energy to raise the temperature of a swimming pool 10°C than it does a glass of water - the difference here is the mass, as the equation above illustrates.

Before I wrap this up, I have to say that some might not even see today's tip. I just checked the spam score on this email text (how many spammy words used), it is 2.8 of 5. The reason for this higher-than-usual spam score is the fact that I use the term "energy" in this email. I learn something new everyday!

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] A vs Z

Hi student,

Today's tip is about the difference between Atomic Number (Z) and Atomic Mass Number (A).

In the periodic table, a symbol is used to designate an element, and each atom is characterized by a value of A and Z. The atomic number (Z) is at the lower left of the symbol, and atomic mass number (A) is at the upper left.

Atomic Number (Z): Its value is equal to the number of protons in the nucleus.

Atomic Mass Number (A): Its value is equal to the number of protons plus the number of neutrons in the nucleus.

Chemically, an atom is made of three species: Neutrons, Protons, and Electrons. The nucleus of the atom contains the protons and neutrons. However, for the most part chemists focus their attention on the electrons, which govern the chemical properties and reactivity of any molecule.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Precision vs Accuracy

Hi student,

Since chemistry for the most part deals with quantitative measurement, precision and accuracy are used often to measure the numerical results. Most people use the words "accuracy" and "precision" interchangeably and think that they are the same. Well, they are different.

In plain English, precision is how well you can repeat the measurement values, and accuracy is how close you can get to the right answer. That is, accurate data are always precise, but precise data may not always be accurate.

Precision is the closeness of two sets of measured groups of values. Just think of this as the degree of reproducibility of a set of measurements. This does not necessarily reflect the closeness to the true value.

Accuracy is linked to how close a single measurement is to the true value. High accuracy means getting close to the truth.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Charge vs oxidation number

Hi student,

Today's topic is about the two important yet confusing terms in chemistry - charge and oxidation number.

The oxidation number of an atom is defined as the number of valence electrons in the free atom form minus the number of valence electrons controlled by the same atom in a molecule. For an ionic molecule (electron transfer), the oxidation number of an atom equals the resulting charge. For a covalent molecule (shared electrons), the oxidation number does not equal the charge. Here is the rule: The sum of all the oxidation numbers in a molecule is equal to the charge on that molecule.

Here are general rules for oxidation number and total charge:
- A single element species has an oxidation number of zero (Na, H2, Cl2).
- The sum of oxidation numbers of all atoms in a neutral compound must equal zero.
- The sum of oxidation numbers of all atoms in an ionic compound must equal the molecule's ionic charge.
- Oxygen in a compound has the oxidation number of -2, except in peroxides, e.g. H2O2 (-1).
- Hydrogen in a compound has the oxidation number of +1, except in metal hydrides (-1).

That's all you need to know about their differences.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Physical vs chemical

Hi student,

Today, we will start another mini-series - common confusions in chemistry.

The first one that comes to mind is physical properties vis chemical properties.

When asked about chemical or physical properties of a species, you ought to know the difference (common exam questions).

Chemical properties: The properties enable one substance to be converted into another brand new one - they describe how a substance reacts with other substances. Water could turn into H2 and O2 - that is its chemical property since new species are formed.

Physical properties: The properties describing the physical characteristics of a substance. Typical properties are the mass, volume, density, color, and phase. Water can be vaporized into steam - that is its physical property since no new substance is formed; only the phase changes (liquid to gas phase).

So to tell the difference, just ask yourself a simple question: Is there a new substance formed?

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Not just a single molecule

Hi student,

One more tip on building chemistry basic instincts.

A molecule never stays alone, and molecules are held together by interacting with each other. These inter-molecular interactions are the key to understanding many chemicals, especially the biological properties of molecules. A molecule is simple, but groups of them can be very complex. The key to understanding this is energy, thermodynamics specifically - the subject area linking chemistry with biology.

Water molecules are bonded together by hydrogen bonds. This explains many physical observations we come to know in life, i.e. water (2xH-bonds/molecule) has a higher boiling point than alcohols (1xH-Bond/molecule). Remember, molecules in a group: Intermolecular interaction.

Always consider molecules in ensemble. Molecules are not independent of each other. An ideal theory assuming no interaction among molecules is flawed. That is why the ideal gas law is not true: PV≠nRT, since ideal gases (no interaction) are assumed for this equation.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Into the 3D World

Hi student,

Continue on building the chemistry basic instincts.

Molecules are NOT flat, so while you are at the molecular level picture molecules in 3D. See things in the 3D viewpoint. For many, it is not your second nature. What makes it worse is that all textbooks and lecture materials are using 2D structure drawings. It is not hard to train yourself in 3D - constantly remind yourself while reading the textbook and listening to the lectures.

How? In print, you see water presented as H2O or H-O-H. To see it in 3D, use a 3D model. Here is a commonly used Spoke-and-Ball model.

A water molecule is not linear, but bent. Next time you draw a structure on paper, try to picture it in 3D. So far, so good. Now that you can think in 3D, let's promote you to the next level. Remember: Draw in 2D and imagine in 3D.

2D structure drawing is how chemists communicate. Chemists have adapted to representing the 3D structure in the 2D plane in order to convey chemistry clearly and consistently. Your pencil is an indispensable learning tool. Train your hand to draw. Precision in drawing leads to the precision in thinking. Knowing how to draw a structure will give you insight into the solution of the problem.

There is a branch of organic chemistry called stereochemistry, which is the study of the 3D structure of molecules. Even with 3D understanding, chemists still like to project 3D structures into 2D plane, such as Fischer Projection or Newman Projection. Do not ever lose sight of the fact that all structures (geometrical and electronic) are three-dimensional.

To help students with 3D thinking and stereochemistry, I have prepared a video on the topic, go view it now:
http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/VideoLibrary/Organic/ORGO077_Stereochemistry/player.html

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Into the molecular world

Hi student,

The first chemistry instinct you need to have is to think chemistry at the molecular level.

Chemistry is mostly invisible and must be imagined. Foremost, thinking chemistry at the molecular level is the No.1 key to unlock your passage to the chemistry world. Chemists operate in two worlds - macroscopic and microscopic. The macroscopic world is what we can see, feel, and touch - what non-chemists called the "real world".

To "see" chemistry, you need to build a microscopic instinct - be able to visualize matter molecularly. By learning to envision things microscopically, you add a whole new degree of appreciation to the world around you.

Here is a simple example. When someone mentions water, rather than thinking of a raindrop or a blue sea, you should first picture H2O; an oxygen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms - the building blocks of water.

With this mindset you will look at things around you in a whole new way. Next time you look at a food label, think about the ingredients by their molecular formulas and structures. What is the structure of alcohol or caffeine? Why is vinegar a magic household cleaner? Start asking yourself questions chemically.

Now you are thinking like a chemist! That wasn't so hard, but don't stop here! Remember to scale your thinking to the: Molecular level.

I will share with you the chemistry instinct #2 tomorrow.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] student, Got instinct?

Hi student,

Do you have the basic instincts in chemistry?

No one is born a chemist. There is no such a thing as a "chemistry gene" in the human genome. Chemists develop their instincts via active learning and experimenting.

One of the most difficult aspects of learning chemistry is to be intuitive about the subject. Unlike biology, physics, and other science disciplines, you simply can't relate your daily experiences with what you are taught in chemistry class. Your common sense usually does not work very well in chemistry.

In the next few days, you will learn how to build the basic instincts that will enable you to look at chemistry from a whole new angle and understand the content covered in lectures with a new dimension of imagination. For some situations in chemistry, imagination is the only way to get you where you want to go.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] The Four-Step Panic Plan

Hi student,

For those crammers, you may want to put out extra effort in the last 2-3 days prior to the exam, but avoid at all cost cramming the final night. All your efforts may be wasted if you feel tired or mentally exhausted during the exam, which will block off your knowledge retrieval process. This is particularly true for crammers since cramming only puts information into your short-term memory.

Here are the steps:
Step 1: Get the Lecture Notes: If you have not attended all the lectures, get a decent set of lecture notes from your pal, or buy them from the note-taker if you have to.

Step 2: Rewrite the Lecture Notes: If you still have time, rewrite the notes into yours using the ChemMastery Lecture Notes. If you are cramming for the midterms or finals and running out of time, skip this step.

Step 3: Create the Cheat Sheets: Print a few blank copies of the ChemMastery Cheat Sheets (one copy per chapter). Go to your study zone and lay out the notes and the text side-by-side. One chapter at a time, write down all the key concepts, facts, formulas and equations onto a single cheat sheet. Be selective in what you record and limit your coverage. As needed, use your text to further your understanding by quickly reading the explanation and walking through the examples.

Step 4: Over Study the Cheat Sheets: After going through all the testing chapters, you should have a set of cheat sheets created from step 3. Study-study-study these cheat sheets. Say them out loud if you have to. Carry them with you so you can make the most of every spare minute you have.

If you have completed these four steps in the limited time you have, you should still be able to walk in and take the exam with confidence.

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Forget about cramming, go with Rapid Learning. Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] To cram or not to cram

Hi student,

How is your chemistry? What are your problem areas? List the core areas that are important yet difficult for you and use our core concept tutorial movies to help you "hammerin' home" the concepts.

Another day and another new tip. Today's topic is about cramming. I don't think I would be very popular among my teaching colleagues if I show you how to cram. Let's face it, we have all done it and been there before. The tricky question is - do you know how to cram effectively?

Cramming is not the way to master a subject like chemistry, since this process only packs into your short-term memory (STM). The best way is to follow the ChemMastery 5-step process, the easier way.

If you have to, it does help you get by with the upcoming exams if the time is not on your side and the content is overwhelming.

The key is to focus on the depth not breadth. Your next question is "how to identify those important areas that you should cram on?" The answer is the Four-Step Panic Plan (tomorrow's topic).

Until next time, student, keep it up!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Rapid Learning] Just Released: Pharmacology in 24 Hours

Dear student,

Happy Monday!

We have just released another new rapid learning course: Teach Yourself Pharmacology Visually in 24 Hours.

This rich-media course provides a comprehensive learning in the basic principles and applications of pharmacology, along with the physiology at molecular, cellular and human organ levels. It is designed for life science students and health professionals. It can also be a general medical education series for anyone who are interested in various human diseases and the drugs to treat them.

Check out the course details at: http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/biology/pharmacology/pharmacology.html

Like 100+ rapid learning courses in science and math, this 24-chapter pharmacology series offers visual tutorials, interactive drills, review cheatsheets, printable eBooks and MP3 AudioBooks. It is a complete learning system designed for easy and rapid mastery in pharmacology. Its curriculum mirrors closely with the mainstream pharmacology teaching.

Lean it fast and easy. Learn it the Rapid Learning way.

Seize the Day!
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
877-RAPID-10

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[Chemistry Tips] student, KUDOS to you!

Hi student,

Have you ever used the KUDOS method to solve chemistry word problems? For any chemistry problems that involve calculations, approach them as solving math problems with unit consideration.

Note: Today's tip is a big longer than usual, since I want to take the time to explain how you solve chemistry problem effectively. This is one of most challenges students face.

Here is my simple five-step K-U-D-O-S method for solving chemistry word problems:

Step 1: "K"nown
Read the problem carefully in its entirety. Write down what is given, translated into mathematical form with units. For example, "The reaction occurs at STP" becomes, "P=1 atm, and T=273.15K" (since STP stands for standard pressure and temperature). Look for implied relationships too. If a 100 grams of binary compound AB is 25% by mass for element A, this implies that there is 75% or 75g in B.
If a reaction is involved, write out the chemical equation and don't forget to balance it.

Step 2: "U"nknown
Write down the unknown in the mathematical form: For example, V=? ml. Complete the equation with the unit you are seeking to make clear what to solve in the problem.

Step 3: "D"efinition
Define the physical equation or formula that relates the unknown quantity to the known quantities (PV=nRT). Rearrange the equation so that the unknown is alone on the left side and all the known quantities are on the right side.

Check to make sure you have sufficient data for the selected equation. If not, look elsewhere. Some might require you to get the values from a table of data or the Periodic Table. Again, write them down with the units.

Often, the solution to a problem will involve the use of two or more equations. Solve these symbolically first, before going to Step 4 and entering data. Alternately, you could also plug in the data to solve one equation at a time. Show all the algebra steps clearly for full credit.
If you still don't have enough known data for the defined equation, you might want to use a different equation, or the same equation in a different form.

Step 4: "O"utput
Perform the calculation or derivation to output the result (the Unknown). Plug in the Knowns. These include the constants needed with the proper units and the conversion factors that convert all known quantities needed to proper units required for the equation. Put everything together and solve the equation. Plug in all the known quantities and constants with the units. Calculate the results and run the dimension analysis to assure the proper end unit of the answer. State the answer clearly with its unit and proper significant figure.

Step 5: "S"ubstantiation
Substantiate your result (Output) with a 1-2-3 Check:
- Check its validity.
- Check its unit.
- Check its significant figures.

The KUDOS method is a systematic, yet simple approach. I have created a step-by-step problem solving template for you to fill in the blanks and follow through. The Chemistry Survival Guide also provides an illustration of how to solve a typical chemistry problem using the KUDOS template. In addition, I have create an 20-minute movie to explain this problem-solving method, example after example, until you GET IT. It is available from our chemistry coaching students.

Chemistry problems have patterns, so solving them requires a system to identify and follow these patterns. The KUDOS method introduced here will allow you to unlock the patterns in a logical sequence.

KUDOS to you for reading this article in its entirety. Until tomorrow, student, give your homework and exams a KUDOS!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

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[Chemistry Tips] Cheat sheet, anyone?

Hi student,

A cheat sheet is not for cheating. It is a study method in how to capture the core concepts from lengthy lectures and a weighty textbook into a manageable study card. These cheat sheets will be your study notes to be used for any review and exam preparation. What kind of information do you put on the cheat sheets?
- The concepts and details important for the test
- The difficult concepts and brief explanations
- The terms, formulas, equations, mechanisms, and facts that you need to memorize
- Exceptions to the rules. These are the most frequent test questions, like exceptions to the Octet Rules, d-orbital filling (f-orbital excluded usually), organic reaction mechanisms, etc.

Here is an example of a cheat sheet:
http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/chemistry/Preview/RL104/CS/OC_CS02_OChemIntro.pdf

Today's Chemistry Tips: Convert the seemingly impossible lectures and reading into an easily manageable cheat sheets.

Until next time, student, keep up your study!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com
Rapid Learning Center

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92887
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[Chemistry Tips] student, problem solved?

Hi student,

Problem-solving is the most important core skill in chemistry, it is what chemistry is all about. Here are the five-step general problem-solving process:

Step 1: Identify What is Given
Separate the problem into the facts, conditions and assumptions. List them symbolically as familiar chemical terms and formulas.

Step 2: Clarify What is Being Asked
Understand what is asked and if unclear, try to rephrase the question in terms that you know.

Step 3: Select a Strategy
Choose an appropriate method to solve the problem. These strategies include trial-and-error search, deduction, working backward and the knowledge-based method. The goal is to establish a path to get to what is being asked from what is given.

Step 4: Solve
Apply the skills and mathematical expressions needed to carry out the strategy chosen.

Step 5: Review
Examine the reasonableness of the solution, and correctness of the units, significant figures and order of magnitude. Fix the possible errors and re-evaluate the approach.

Tip of the Day: Solve chemistry problems systematically using the strategic 5-step process.

The problem-solving movie is one of the rich-media tutorial from our Rapid Learning course:
http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/VideoLibrary/Chemistry/CHEM055_ProblemSolving/player.html

Until next time ...

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
ChemTips@RapidLearningCenter.com

PS: Master chemistry in 24 hours with our rapid learning courses on High School Chemistry, AP or SAT Chemistry, College Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and others. Experience the break-through system and learn chemistry in 24 hours visually. Shoot over our learning portal now - http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

Rapid Learning Center

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92887
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[Rapid Learning] The February Sales - Extended Til Today 5PM & Combo Bonuses Added

Dear student,

For those who missed the sales yesterday, here is your second chance. We are also adding bonuses for combo packages (see details below). This sales will extend until 5PM PST today (2/12/2010).

The "Fabulous February Sales" offers 25% Off on ALL products plus no shipping fee. Use the promotion code "RLC025" at the checkout.

Order Online: http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/members/signup.php
Order by Phone: 877-RAPID-10 (US) or 001-714-692-2900 (Outside of US). Mention the code.
Small Print: New purchases today only with no quantity limit. No retro-claim.
For Whom: Rapid Learning Subscribers/Users.

For any combo package (pre-packaged or custom combo), you will also receive:
1. AudioBook: How to Learn Anything Fast ($24)
2. Chemistry Survival Kit ($49)
3. Physics Survival Kit ($49)
4. Biology Survival Kit ($49)
5. Organic Chemistry Survival Kit ($49)
See survival kit details: http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/ebooks/index.html

To receive all five bonuses, just order any combo package from our course list or call us to arrange your custom combo package. Once you have placed the order, send an email to vip@rapidlearningcenter.com with the subject title "The February Bonuses" with your order number, we will take care of the bonuses for you.

Get the learning packages today and start your journey to rapid learning this weekend.

Just Do It!
Wayne Huang, PhD
877-RAPID-10

PS: The already discounted combo packages, with this sales of additional 25%, will give you more than 50% off on any combo, the best deal ever. Get started now at http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/courses.html

Rapid Learning Center

27815 Ben Nevis Way
Yorba Linda, CA
92887
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If you no longer wish to receive communication from us:
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[Chemistry Tips] iPod for chemistry?

Hi student,

Do you have an iPod? You can use your iPod for more than just listening the music. For students, iPod could be a great tool for "Learning-On-The-Go".

There are two items you need for iPod learning: (1) Audio lectures in MP3 (2) Print-out on the same lectures.

Where can you get audio lectures?

Good news! Rapid Learning Center provides audio lecture series for many chemistry courses, check out the Rapid Learning Lite Edition. Shoot over there now!
http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/courses.html

Enjoy your iPod!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

Rapid Learning Center

27815 Ben Nevis Way
Yorba Linda, CA
92887
US

If you no longer wish to receive communication from us:
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[Rapid Learning] The February Sales Going On Now (Today Only 2/11)

Dear student,

The Fabulous February Sales is starting now - 25% off with free shipping. The code is "RLC025".

The opportunity is now knocking. The door is now open. It's your time to act!

The "Fabulous February Sales" offers 25% Off on ALL products plus no shipping fee, today only (Thursday 2/11/2010). Use the promotion code "RLC025" at the checkout.

Order Online: http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/members/signup.php
Order by Phone: 877-RAPID-10 (US) or 001-714-692-2900 (Outside of US). Mention the code.
Small Print: New purchases today only with no quantity limit. No retro-claim.
For Whom: Rapid Learning Subscribers/Users.

Our office will open with extended hours (9AM-9PM PST) to take your calls. Our academic advisory line is also open for any course-related phone inquiry. Our online support desk can also respond quickly to your questions via email at TheSupport@rapidlearningcenter.com.

student, your education or your kid's academic success will open the door to a better tomorrow. It all starts with one thing - Do Well in Math and Sciences.

Today is the day!

Seize the Day,
Wayne Huang, PhD
877-RAPID-10

PS: Don't sit on the sideline any longer. The opportunity is passing by. Give yourself an edge for better grades and easier learning. Get started now at http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/courses.html

Rapid Learning Center

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[Chemistry Tips] The most important question in chemistry and its answer ...

Hi student,

Do you know what the most important question in chemistry is?
The answer to this question will ultimately solve your structure and bonding problems in introductory and general chemistry, and most problems in organic chemistry. Here it is ...

"Where are the electrons?"

You can always trace back the root of chemical properties and reactivities by following the electrons.

Here is a general answer to this question: Electrons like to be around more electronegative atoms - that is F, Cl, O, N, S.

Tip of the Day: Remember the electronegativities of a few important elements.

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

Rapid Learning Center

27815 Ben Nevis Way
Yorba Linda, CA
92887
US

If you no longer wish to receive communication from us:
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[Chemistry Tips] student, welcome and get ready!

Hi student,

Thank you for subscribing the "Chemistry Tips" - The chemistry daily tips, delivered to your inbox every morning. It is one tip a day, quick reading on:
- Chemistry survival basics
- Top 10 confusions in chemistry
- How to ace chemistry exams
- Your professors' confessions
- Problem-solving tips in chemistry
- Rich-media rapid learning
- Plus much more

"A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience."
--Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Professor at the Breakfast Table

Today's message is a bit long, but expect much shorter later on.

To help you warm up and ease your way into chemistry learning, I will share with you a Flash movie - "The Science of Chemistry". It gives you a gentle introduction to chemistry. Enjoy!
http://www.rapidlearningcenter.com/VideoLibrary/Chemistry/CHEM011_ScienceOfChemistry/player.html

Until tomorrow, student, keep up your study!

Committed to Your Success
Wayne Huang, PhD
"The Rapid Learning Coach"
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com

Rapid Learning Center

27815 Ben Nevis Way
Yorba Linda, CA
92887
US

If you no longer wish to receive communication from us:
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