best way to tackle experimental passages?

TXtaco25 · Jun 26, 2010

Hey guys, By looking at weak points of mine, it is clear that experimental passages are the death of me. Now I know the best way to get better is to practice them, but how do yall approach these types of passages? Do yall thoroughly read the whole passage? Skim? What is your thought process while going through these?

Any help would be great, these seem to give me the most trouble!

Isoprop · Jun 26, 2010

This is what I typically do. Probably not for everyone.

I skim to get to the gist of the experiment: what are they looking for. I note the existence of any data in graph/table form but i don't study the results carefully unless a question asks.
I read the procedures pretty carefully, highlighting values (experimenter poured 20 mL of 6M HCl and stuff like that).
I pay pretty close attention to any equations; maybe even writing them down on the scrap paper.
I look for figures of an apparatus and mentally note any dimensions.

My ultimate goal is to (a) highlight numbers, dimensions, or values for quick reference; and (b) get the basic gist of what the experimenters wanted to do. Then I answer the questions and refer back to the passage when necessary.

TXtaco25 · Jun 26, 2010

thanks for the feedback I really appreciate it. I am gonna try that out.

best way to tackle experimental passages?

TXtaco25

Full Member

Isoprop

Fascinating, tell me more

TXtaco25

Full Member

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