How to excel in college chemistry-College chemistry tips

Quantification of protein using the biuret reaction

2009-05-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

The biuret reaction can be used to estimate the amount of protein in a sample. Like biuret, proteins contain a
-CONH- group which, when reacted with aqueous alkaline solution of copper(II) sulphate, produces the following complex of a blue-violet colour:

The violet color produced, allows the estimation of protein colorimetrically. The colour intensity is proportional to the amount of peptide bonds participating in the reaction. A series of samples are prepared with known amounts of protein along with a sample with the unknown amount of protein. Samples are then transferred to cuvettes and the absorbances measured. the absobance of the unknown sample should fall between the absorbances of the known sample.The complex has an absorbance maximum of 540 nm. A calibration curve can then be produced and the unknown sample's concentration calculated using Beer's Law.

The Cu(II)SO4 is added to the protein dissolved in sodium hydroxide. The sodium hydroxide breaks up the secondary sructure of the protein, i.e., the alpha and beta pleated sheets so it is easier for the Cu2+ ions to access and form complexes with the nitrogen atoms in the proteins.

Disadvantage

One disadvantage of this reaction, however, is that some of the Cu2+ will react with NaOH to produce the insoluble, Cu(OH)2

Formol titration-Formol titration

2009-05-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Formol titration can be used to estimate the amount of nitrogen/nitrogen containing substance present in a sample. It is frequently used to estimate the amount of protein present in food products but,of course, can be used to detect the amount of other nitrogen containing substance such as ammonia and polypeptides in a sample.

Procedure (from wikipedia.com):

1. Pipette out 10 ml samples of milk into a 50ml erlenmeyer flask
2 Add 0.4ml saturated potassium oxalate solution and 0.5 ml phenolphthalein indicator. set aside for 2 minutes.
3. Neutralize the milk by titrating with 0.1N NaOH to the endpoint
4. Add 2 ml of 40% formaldehyde solution and allow to stand for 2 min.
5. Titrate again with 0.1 N NaOH to the same endpoint.
6.Run a blank by titrating 2 ml of 40% formaldehyde solution plus 10 ml distilled water with 0.1 N NaOH CALCULATION: Va = volume of 0.1 N NaOH used to titrate sample after addition of formaldehyde Vb= volume of 0.1N NaOH used to titrate blank Va-Vb= formaldehyde value %protein= Va-Vb X formol factor FORMOL FACTORS 1.74 for cow's milk 1.91 for carabao's milk

Further notes on formol titration:

*Saturated potassium oxalate is added to the sample. This is necessary because Ca 2+ ions react with NaOH to form Ca(OH)2 which will lead to inaccurate volume of NaOH being recorded. To prevent this, the oxalate is added which will react with the Ca2+ ions to form calcium oxalate.

*Sample is neutralised usually with NaOH with a few drops of phenolphthalein. A colour change in phenolphthalein from colourless to pink should be seen

* Formaldehyde (methanal) is then added to the sample. The formaldedye reacts with amino acids . The H+ ions are liberated so the sample becomes more acidic which allows it to be titrated with NaOH . the reaction has a 1:1 mole ratio. The amount of H+ ions reacted is to represent the amount of amino acid present in the sample since each amino acid will liberate one H+ ion.

*Regarding the use of sodium hydroxide instead of barium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide is used instead of barium hydroxide due to the some amino acids , after reacting with formaldedyde , the derivate will form insoluble precipitate with barium, but this problem does not occur with sodium hydroxide

Money for college-Save money while in college

2008-09-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

After paying so much money for tuition, you are hit with a variety of costs necessary things like textbooks and food.Whats a student to do? We have to spend money on these things. That is true, but we can do thing to save money on them by doing things like:

1. Using the library- Student spending for books and supplies has risen from a national average of $619 in the 1999-2000 school year to $807 in 2002-2003, according to the National Association of College Stores.(Seattle Post-Inteligencer). Textbooks in college are expensive,to save money try to borrow books from the library or a friend. If you'll need to, try to photocopy the information, especially , if you'll have to keep referring to it.

2.Cooking vs. eating out- Eating out can be convenient but ,doing it too often, can burn holes in your pocket. Try the healthier alternative instead , cook your meals. To save time, cook sizable quantities , enough to last throughout the week. If you need a snack try to use tinned food for this use purpose. You may for example try to prepare a nice tuna fish sandwich.Yum :)

3.Opt to study as much as you can throughout the day instead of nights. That is ,if your living situation is such that you have to pay for electricity, this can reduce electricity cost.

4.Trying to get housing near to campus ,the rent may be higher, but the saving in bus fare or gas money will make this a worthwhile investment.

5.Carpooling or take the bus, if you live at a distance from campus, to try to to save on money spent on gas

6.Investing in good quality clothing. Its better to buy fewer good quality pieces that can be worn next semester than buying a greater number of cheaper clothes which wont even last till then.

Concentration while studying in college

2008-09-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

If its one thing I used to be good at , it was procrastinating. I’ve found techniques have helped me lessen this bad habit which I thought Id share with you all. Hopefully it will help you if you suffer the same fate.

My procrastination is usually due to the fact that I fell overwhelmed by just thinking about whatever I’m supposed to do. I’m finding that if I break by activity into splits it up into blocks which last about 15 minutes. So instead of studying a chapter I break it up into small manageable 15 minute section which I then review.

Taking breaks helps sometimes. I may be working for too long and it seems as if my body rebels by procrastinating. Try not to take too many though,as I have learned, you wont accomplish much

Don’t study with music . Doing this will cause you to focus on the words on not the material in front of you. If you feel you must its better to choose music where only instrumentals are being played.

If you know persons who are focused on their schoolwork you can suggest forming a study group. This can help as this can encourage better habits and may force you to become more focused.

Try to study in the same area all the time as whenever you’re there you will automatically think it is time to study and this will help you to get into the frame of mind to study

Ensure that your eat when you need to. It hard studying on an empty belly, there’s not much else you can think of except getting a snack at this point

If your having an emotional problems, set a time to think about that problem, try talking to someone if you think it will help you

Turn your phone off so that you wont be interrupted. Don’t waste time trying to get make into deep concentration after being broken by that call. Set a time for calls.

How to study inorganic chemistry

2008-09-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Problem : Memorizing Many Equations

Solution: First separate relevant equations by topic. Schedule your time to include studying a certain amount of equations everyday. Write these equations on flash cards. After studying these equations, turn over the cards to cover the equations and try to recall as much information that you just studied as possible.

Problem : Understanding material

Solution: You can’t get an ‘A’ if you don’t have a very good understanding of the material. Don’t spend more time than you have to trying to understand the material, go to all your classes. All you need to do afterwards is to read your textbook to increase your understanding and memory of the material. However be sure to note the information (the best way being to write it down) from the textbook which you found to be important and helpful.

Problem: Remembering Material

Solution: After studying the material, put away the information and try to explain the concepts you just studied form memory. Cement ideas with mnemonics, stories or other memory aids .Study for about 20 minutes, take a break then test yourself on the material you just studied.You will need to continue revision of the information as much as you can so that it goes to your long term memory.

For tips on how to get an A in chemistry read this article

Tips to get better college chemistry grades

2008-09-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what on earth can you do to finally pull off a good grade in college? Well that is what I'll be addressing by giving these tips on how to study for a college exam:

-In class record almost everything, don’t wait on what you think is important. The teacher may view something as important which you didn’t , which puts you at a disadvantage.

-Attempt tutorials and try to attend as many as possible.

-The repetition of information and the practice will help your memory and your ability to get closer to that "A". Read over notes after class, as soon as possible. If you can get them, try to read notes before the class or read up on the topic in your textbook.

-Practice tutorials and past papers.Exam questions are often similar and are sometimes even recycled. Importantly , you should try to practice answering questions without looking at the notes after you have studied a topic. This technique boosts your long term memory.

-Review the material as soon as you can and review often . Place an emphasis on understanding and thinking about the material rather than mere recitation

-Try to pinpoint areas which are stressed during lectures. These are areas which your lecturer views as important and you will more than likely be tested on these areas.

-Keep handouts organized in a folder so it you will waste less time trying to find class material Take a front seat as you will be more focused , less likely to fall asleep and less likely to find people who talk a lot at these positions.

-Develop your own abbreviations when taking notes. This enables you to save some time and so you can keep up with the lecturer . Be careful, however, not to overdo this.

-Visualize the material and write down what you need to remember This aids memory as more senses are involved

-Keep a positive attitude . Visualize getting an excellent grade on your paper. You can make a poster with inspirational quotes , read inspirational stories or you can even listen to positive songs to lift your mood when you feel low . Do whatever you have to do to believe that you will do well on your exam

-Read information about study skills. Try buying one or borrowing a book from your library or friends.

-Concentrate during class. Doodling and talking with friends will cause you to lose valuable information and explanations.Time is then wasted by trying to figure concepts which were missed, by reading textbook repeatedly.

-When you write notes, ensure they are legible. Its easier to read and less time is spent trying to figure what is could be.

-If there is anything you don't understand, don't be afraid to go to your lecturer to have it clarified.

-When you've practiced your past papers,also see your lecturer to ensure your answers are in line with what he/she wants to be written.

Read more about studying for college here

This is a new website,it will be updated regularly so please keep checking back for updates.

If there is anything you’d like me to write about , or if you've got some tips you'd like to be share let me know : Email me

Free organic chemistry textbook

2008-09-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Are you like me, low and funds, but in need of a textbook for organic chemistry course? You could be, instead ,just looking for a book for some extra reading. How about a FREE textbook which cover most of the topics in organic chemistry? A book that is separated by topic, so you don’t have to download the entire book if you only want to deal with, say, carbonyl reactions. even contains problem sets with answer keys for select problems.Well that is what I found at this site Ochem4free . You can opt to buy the printed version of the textbook, supplementary exercises and solutions to all the problem sets given.

Organic Chemistry lecture notes-Chemistry lecture notes

2008-09-02T22:29:00.000-07:00

Why go searching for organic chemistry websites when we list the best here?Save some time and check out these sites

1.Free Chemistry textbook
This website contains a free textbook which covers most of the reactions covered in organic chemistry at the undergraduate level. The information contained is of a high quality and contains questions to be practiced after each section along with answered to selected questions. There is even a chapter dedicated to tips on getting a good grade in organic chemistry.

2.Mechanism Practice
A site more for use in practicing your organic mechanism. It allows you to test your knowledge of named organic chemistry reactions.

3. Undergraduate lectures and tutorials
Lectures, tutorials, revision on 1st-3rd year organic chemistry

4.Spectroscopy Practice
Key to success in organic chemistry is practice. This site allows practice with 1 H-NMR C-NMR,IR spectra problems and the answer is able to be seen after you are finished

5.Organic Labs
Site dedicated to the practical aspect of organic chemistry. It contains demonstration videos, lab tips, theory behind practical techniques, experiments .examples of typical experiment. Topics covered are chromatography, recrystallization, filtration, melting point and thermometer calibration ,IR spectroscopy, HNMR spectroscopy, distillation and separation.

6. Organic chemistry tutorials
Organic chemistry tutorials, overview of certain mechanisms, practice tests, information on laboratory techniques, message boards intended for help in getting answers to any organic question you may have.

7.Organic chemistry tutorials
This website has chapters covering most of the mechanisms taught at the undergraduate level. It also has practice problems, reaction drills, information on the typical 1 H-NMR , C-NMR, UV and mass spectroscopic data for each functional group covered

8.Video lectures
University of Berkely provides 23 videos of lectures pertaining to on the you tube website.Aromatic chemistry, aldehyde , ketones ,carboxylic acid and its dervivatives, Carbohydrates, hertocyclones, enones, diketones and hydroxyketones, arene conjugation, carbohydrates, amines, carboxylic acids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acid chemistry. Ultraviolet spectroscopy and mass spectrometry is introduced.

9.Organic Chemistry equipment
Diagrams and information on use of typical equipment found in organic labs

10.Sterochemistry help
Notes on stereochemistry,problem sets which contain animation to test knowledge of astrochemical concepts, such as recognizing symmetry elements, conversions to a fisher diagram and identifying stereoisomers

11.Stereochemistry tutorials
Tutorials on Chirality, R/S nomenclature,Physical properties of stereoisomers, separation of enantiomers,stereoisomers of cyclic compunds, and the fischer projection.Also includes tutorials on Fundamentals ,Chemical Bond ,Alkanes, Alkenes , Alkynes , Hydrocarbons, Stereochemistry, Oxidation Reactions, Reduction Reactions, Alcohols ,Ethers ,Sulfides, Halogen Alkanes, Carboxylic Acids ,Carbonyl Compounds , Metalorganic Compounds, Keto-Enol Tautomerism ,Aromatic Chemistry ,Heterocycles ,Substitution Reactions, Addition Reactions ,Elimination Reactions, Radical Reactions ,Reaction Mechanisms, Pericyclic Reactions

Boost your brainpower

2008-09-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

No need to go out and purchase that pack of nike sweatbands well not be working up a sweat for these exercises. Were going to talk about ways to transform those flabby brain cells into lean, mean thinking machines.

Games
Playing games aid in developing logic and thinking skills, as so should boost our brain power. As a bonus these games help to decrease stress levels. So go ahead play a game but ensure its one that helps your brain such as or soduku.

Eat your way to a better brain
If you could just eat certain types of food to boost your brain power, you would, right? Apparently you can. Scientists are finding that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can increase cells associated with learning in the brain. Seems our parents were right, fish is good brain food. So try to include food such as salmon ,flax seed, walnuts you can also head to your local pharmacy to get some supplements. Another tip is to try to eat a good healthy breakfast, according to research published in 2003 by Reading University, persons breakfasting on fizzy drinks and sugary snacks performed at the level of an average 70-year-old in tests of memory and attention.

Improve memory
One way to do that is to use memory aids. You can link whatever you need to learn to something that’s you’re already familiar with. You can also try to repeat a persons name when they tell you.

Listening to music
Some students swear by listening to classical music when studying, many people say listening to classical music helps make you smarter. Is this really true though? I have read that listening to Mozart should improve people's mathematical and spatial reasoning. It doesn’t work for everyone , it did not not work for me. Many think that any benefits which are derived from its use are really due to the fact that it causes stress reduction that causes a brain boost. There is evidence, however, that learning to play an instrument helps to improve IQ.If you can fit it in youre schedule why not try these two options to see if they work for you?

How to study in college-College study tips

2008-09-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

Step 1.
Survey- This basically is just a preview or get an idea of the material that is about to be studied. Look at the material and note titles, subtitles, headings, illustrations, introductory paragraphs and unfamiliar vocabulary. Try to get the main idea of the material you’re about to read.

Step2.
Question- Based upon the survey, write down questions that you think you should know the answer to upon completion of reading the material. Questions may be written on the front of a study card. This step is useful for allowing you to think about the material .

Step 3
Read- Separate the material into sections.
Reread any section which you may not understand very well. Ensure that you have found the answers to the questions asked above, which you may write on the back of the study card.
Read actively by visualizing the material, talking aloud if you can the more senses you engage while studying the better your memory of the material.
Extra questions may also be added at this point

Step 4
Review
Always review you’re work. You can do this by turning over the study card and asking yourself the question you came up with. Check your answers afterwards

Read more about how to get better grades in chemistry

Links for analytical chem lecture notes

2008-09-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ill be adding links, now and then, for lecture notes and other material which can be used to help you in chemistry courses.My first post regarding this will be concerning analytical chemistry.

Lecture Notes from the University of Cambridge

Two sets of lectures notes(link at the bottom of the page) pertaining to atomic and molecular structure, absorption spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy ,IR spectroscopy, chromatography and electrophoresis.

Analytical Chemistry lecture Notes

Lecture notes on analytical chemistry divided into chapters:
Chapter 1-measurements, Chapter3-experimental error, chapter 4 statistics chapter 7-titrations, chapter 8 activities and systematic treatment of equilibrium, chapters 9 and 11 monophonic acid-base equillibria, chapters 10 & 11 polyprotic acid/base equilibria, chapter 11 acid/base titrations, chapter 12 EDTA titrations, chapter 14 fundamentals of electrochemistry, chapter 15 electrodes and potentiometry, chapter 16 redox titrations.Also contains sample tests so you can practice.

Lecture Notes from the University of Connecticut

Notes on EDTA titrations, atomic spectrometry, fractional composition, electrochemistry and redox titrations, student t-test, calibration and regression , acids and bases, molecular and atomic spectroscopy, statistical tables Q test, t-test and F tests. Also has link to info on linear calibration curves, compensation for interferences and round robin methods.

Laboratory Procedures

Outlines how certain analytical chemistry procedures should be carried out and contains instructions for practicals.

Time Management Tips for College

2008-09-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

As your fall semester kicks into high gear and your schedule fills up, you college students may find your stress levels rising. You're probably counting the days until your next vacation when time is -- once again -- on your side. But did you ever stop to realize that the old "time is on your side" cliché holds true 24/7, whether you're a stressed-out college student in time management hell or living it up on summer break?

If you want to stop stressing, master time management and get out of overwhelm, even when school's in session, keep reading ...

1. Time is your GREATEST asset in life. You get to CHOOSE how you spend it. I know -- it's a hard concept to embrace because that means we all have to stop making excuses. Instead of saying, "I can't exercise because I don't have time" we have to admit, "I choose not to exercise because I'm not prioritizing it into my schedule." We are all personally responsible for our lives and how we spend our time is a direct reflection of how well we embrace time management.

When I was a stressed-out college student, I blamed others for my lack of time management. I believed that the only way I could lower my stress levels was if my professors stopped dishing out so much homework. Instead of learning better time management strategies and easing up on my own perfectionism, I made excuses. Every semester, I feel deeper into overwhelm until I let anxiety, depression, insomnia, and total stress usurp my life. Bottom line: Take control over your time right now and be calmer and happier for the rest of your life.

2. Time management means learning to say N-O. "You can determine how you use your time or by default, let others plan it for you," says Beverly Coggins, professional organizer and author of the e-book, Three Steps to Time Management for the College Student.

Coggins believes that we need to have a grasp on our own passions and priorities so that we're in a stronger position to not be led around by the whims of others. "By determining your own passions and priorities, it gives you confidence to stay focused on where you want to go in life," she adds. Bottom line: College students are supposed to be self-focused! You're not a selfish person if you choose to be empowered by your own goals. Plus, when you take care of yourself first, you'll have more energy to be there for your friends.

3. Skipping class = MORE stress. Sorry to be the downer but skipping class really does screw with time management. It causes college students more stress in the long run. Think about it: You miss class notes, class discussion, repetition of materials, interacting with your classmates and you're wasting money. If you calculate how much money you're spending per college class and then divide it by how many classes there are in a semester, you may be surprised to realize that you skipped out on a class that could very easily have exceeded one-to-several hundred dollars. Ugh! That's a week's worth of putting up with obnoxious customers at the mall or waiting tables at The Olive Garden.

I've skipped my fair share of classes in high school and college and playing catch up sucks! Be honest: how much time do you spend trying to decipher your friend's shorthand when you borrow her class notes or tracking down your professor during office hours? Bottom line: Unless it's a true emergency, go to class and hit the snooze button on the weekends!

4. Sleep SAVES time. According to Coggins, sleep should be the first thing that goes on our master schedules. Why? "Sleep deprivation has the same affect on you as alcohol," says Coggins. "Your reaction time is slow, you can't think clearly, you gain weight, and you can get depressed."

Think about how much time we waste napping during the day because we don't sleep enough at night. C' mon, how many of us have fallen asleep when we're sitting quietly ... like in class! Coggins advises that college students figure out ways to reduce interruptions to sleep like investing in earplugs, a fan, a sleeping mask, or a note on your door. Bottom line: Don't sacrifice sleep because sleep deprivation is the true time waster.

5. Procrastinators CAN master time management. Nearly two-thirds of students say they've procrastinated so much that it affected their performance on an exam, paper, or course grade, according to a February 2007 College Health Services survey. Coggins suggests that college students take advantage of those first few weeks of the semester when there is little pressure, to keep up with assignments.

Use the following tips to escape procrastination mode:

· Break large tasks up into bite-sized pieces and estimate how much time each piece will take. Working backwards from your deadline, schedule in each piece of your task.

· Plan in breaks. Every 45 minutes take a 15-minute break. Do something totally different that relaxes you or invigorates you -- take a walk, listen to music, whatever refreshes you.

· Know when your peak energy time is. If you are a morning person, don't attempt overwhelming tasks at night and vice versa.

· Study with a friend. Just make sure you choose friends that won't help you procrastinate!

Bottom line: Stay away from procrastination temptations when you have a deadline looming. Cell phone, PS3, HDTV ... need I say more?

Maria Pascucci is the President of Campus Calm - the award-winning website for today's stressed-out students, parents and educators. Download your Stress-Less Kit with 4 FREE gifts at (http://www.campuscalm.com).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Pascucci

Performing recrysatlisation-College Chemistry tips

2008-09-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Recrystallization is a laboratory technique used to purify solids based on their different solubilities. A small amount of solvent is added to a flask containing an impure solid. The contents of the flask are heated until the solid dissolves. Next, the solution is cooled. A more pure solid precipitates, leaving impurities dissolved in the solvent. Vacuum filtration is used to isolate the crystals. The waste solution is discarded.

Summary of Recrystallization Steps

Add a small quantity of appropriate solvent to an impure solid.
Apply heat to dissolve the solid.
Cool the solution to crystallize the product.
Use vacuum filtration to isolate and dry the purified solid.

Let's take a look at the details of the recrystallization process.

Choose a solvent such that the impure compound has poor solubility at low temperatures, yet is completely soluble at higher temperatures. The point is to fully dissolve the impure substance when it is heated, yet have it crash out of solution upon cooling. Add as small a quantity as possible to fully dissolve the sample. It's better to add too little solvent than too much. More solvent can be added during the heating process, if necessary.

The next step is to heat the suspension...

After the solvent has been added to the impure solid, heat the suspension to fully dissolve the sample. Usually a hot water bath or steam bath is used, since these are gentle, controlled heat sources. A hot plate or gas burner is used in some situations.

One the sample is dissolved, the solution is cooled to force crystallization of the desired compound...

Slower cooling may lead to a higher purity product, so it's common practice to allow the solution to cool to room temperature before setting the flask in an ice bath or refrigerator.

Crystals usually begin forming on the bottom of the flask. It's possible to aid crystallization by scratching the flask with a glass rod at the air-solvent junction (assuming you are willing to purposely scratch your glassware). The scratch increases the glass surface area, providing a roughened surface on which the solid can crystallize. Another technique is to 'seed' the solution by adding a small crystal of the desired pure solid to the cooled solution. Be sure the solution is cool, or else the crystal could dissolve. If no crystals fall out of solution, it's possible too much solvent was used. Allow some of the solvent to evaporate. If crystals do not spontaneously form, reheat/cool the solution.

One crystals have formed, it's time to separate them from the solution...

Crystals of purified solid are isolated by filtration. This is usually done with vacuum filtration, sometimes washing the purified solid with chilled solvent. If you wash the product, be sure the solvent is cold, or else you run the risk of dissolving some of the sample.

The product may now be dried. Aspiring the product via vacuum filtration should remove much of the solvent. Open-air drying may be used as well. In some cases, the recrystallization may be repeated to further purify the sample.

Article Source:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryhowtoguide/ss/recrystallize.htm

Organic chemistry-Tips on how to study organic chemistry

2008-09-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

1.Emphasize the understanding of the concepts you are required to know.A good practice is to go through the information you learn in class immediately after class, to reinforce the concepts taught and to identify any gaps in your understanding. If you find that there is something you don’t understand, get help. Read the textbooks to increase knowledge and understanding of class material. To test if you really understand the material, close the textbook and try to explain the material in your own words. Remember you can also go to your lecturer for further help

2.To succeed in organic chemistry you will need to practice, practice and practice some more; this cannot be stressed enough. Its not good enough to just understand the concepts, you have to commit the information to memory and the best way to do that is practicing going through and writing the mechanisms from memory. Write mechanisms on a blank piece of paper periodically. It is most effective when you test yourself right after, the next day and then every few days after studying the material. Use past papers and tutorials in your practice, remember, the more you test yourself the more information goes to your long term memory and so you will do better on your exam.

3. Don't play the catch up game, go to all your class and tutorials. It will take much more time to understand material only through reading textbook and other material than being in class and having the lecturer there to explain concepts.

4. Keep outline of the reagents, products reaction conditions for each reaction so it is easier to track various reaction mechanisms

Chemistry lecture Notes-Inorganic Chemistry Lecture Notes

2008-09-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hey guys. For this post Ive decided to put some of the best links Ive found for inorganic chemistry.Below each link Ive described what I've found on each site. Hopefully it helps.

Tutorials
Introduction to inorganic chemistry tutorials

Lectures
Lecture topics which were included are: introduction to inorganic chemistry, Relative abundance and consumption of elements, binary compounds, chemical properties of metals and nonmetals, molecular , structural and empirical formulae, periodic law ,half equations and many others.

Fundamenatals
Outlines the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry used to predict chemistry of elements. Written for an advanced chemistry course it touches on topics as reaction and hydrolysis of oxo anions, reactions of cations and anions, polynuclear oxo anions, solubility rules, ionic lattice, physical and chemical properties, environmental chemistry of oxides, coordination chemistry, redox chemistry of the elements and forms and elements in natural waters.

Inorganic chemistry mechanism
Mechanism in inorganic chemistry. Animation and othe resoucese which cover SN1 substitution for octahedral complexes, association substitution mechanism for square planar complexes, halide substitution in a cyclic phosphate ester, Desargues-Levi Map of pseudorotations for a trigonal bipyramidal species with one bidentate ligand

Laboratory information
Diagrams and information on use of typical equipment found in inorganic labs

Intoductory tutorials
Website covers Introductory concepts of inorganic chemistry . Gas laws, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, equilibrium and acids and bases.

Inorganic experiments
Lab experiments for inorganic and material sciences .

Inorganic lectures
Lectures on transition metal chemistry including crystal field theory, spectroscopic properties of first row transition metal complexes, magnetic suseptibilities of first row transition metals, physical and chemical properties of 3d transition metals and some detailed information of selected transition metals.

More lecture notes
Lecture notes for introductory chemistry on topics such as Lewis dot diagrams, molecular bond orbitals, chemical equations, introduction to atoms, chemical equations and periodic character, hydrogen orbitals, spin or electron configurations, bond order, hybridization, ionic bonding, VSPER theory and covalent bonding

Thermodynamics lecture notes-Chemistry lecture notes

2008-09-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Collection of links relating to topics which fall under thermodynamics

Thermo Lecture notes .
Skipped a class recently? Here are some lecture notes suitable for a 2nd or 3rd year student to help you catch up

Virtual notebook.

This has chapter an entire book on thermodynamics.

More lecture notes .

Here are some more links

Introductory Concepts .
Need to brush up on your thermo concepts from 1st year. Ok well look no further here are some introductory thermodyanic chemistry lecture note to help you.

Webcast .
This site has a webcast on lots of introductory chemistry website including,thermodynamics

Webtext.
Do you want to get an even more in depth look at introductory thermo. information. Take a look at this website

Thermodynamics graphics .
You can see some thermodynamic graphics on this site.

Links for high school chemistry students

2008-09-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Need some help with high school chemistry? Well try these websites for help:

Revision for SATs .
Revision notes targeted towards students taking SAT II chemistry exam and other subjects covered in the SAT and SAT II .

http://www.blogger.com/html.
Link takes you to a lot of valuable information which is made more attractive with the use of diagrams and visuals to allow you to gain a better understanding of Advanced level chemistry topics. The site also covers many other A level and GCSE subjects.

Chemystery.
Virtual textbook and other resources addressing information relating to high school chemistry topics.

Chem Basics.
Looking to understand or brush up on basic chemistry principles? Check out this website to help you out

AP Chemistry .
Powerpoint presentations covering AP chemistry topics

Science Geek.
PowerPoint presentations on topics such as gas laws, atomic structure, kinetics and thermodynamics, conservation of mass and stoichiometry, bonding and molecular structure.

Learn Chem.
Site dedicated to Advanced placement topic questions

Chemistry revision.
The fun activities,worksheets and games which aids in the revision of chemistry basics.

Introductory Concepts.
Introduction to gas laws, atomic structure, kinetics and thermodynamics, conservation of mass and stoichiometry, bonding and molecular structure and organic chemistry

Thinkquest.
Visit this site and gain basic information on general high school chemistry topics

High school chemistry tutorials.
Tutorials providing an introduction to basic high school chemistry

Chemistry lecture notes.
Animation ,lecture notes and other resources on high school and Advanced Placement chemistry.

Periodic table .
Access to a periodic table and information relating to each element.

Dr. Bateman.
Dr. Bateman’s website has revision material and past paper questions for all units of Advanced level syllabus( information appropriate for US students grades 10-11).

Doc Brown.
You know I couldn’t forget those doing their GCSE O’level exams. Doc Browns has an entire “chemistry clinic” for your use. The information is also useful for US based students in grades 8-10 . Students who are in grades 6-8in the US may find the KS3 science quizzes to be beneficial . It even has revision material for Advanced level students(US students grades 10-11).

Preliminary organic chemistry tutorial 2

2008-09-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Organic chemistry Multiple choice questions and answers

1.With which one of the following reagents does propanone undergo a different type of reaction from ethanol

(a)HCN

(b)NaHSO3

(c)NH3

(d)NH2NH2

(e)NH2OH

2.Which of the following compounds does not give a positive result with the iodoform test?

(a)CH3CHO

(b) CH3Ch2OH

(c)CCl3COCH3

(d)CH3Ch2CH2OHCH3

(e)C5H5CH2CH2OH

3.Ethanol and propanone react differently with which of these reagents?

(a)phenylhydrazine

(b)Bradys reagent

(c)semicarbazide
(d)Fehlings solution

(e)Schiff bases

4.Which of the following reagents is used to distinguish between ketones and aldehydes?

(a)2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH)

(b) PCl5 in dry conditions

(d)Tollens reagent

5Which of the following does not react with methyl benzene?

(a) concentrated sulphuric acid

(b)chlorine gas

(c)bromine water

(d) Acidified potassium manganate(VII)

(e) acetic anhydride

6.Which of the following reagents does not undergo reaction with ethene?

(a)acidified potassium manganate(VII)

(b)hydrgen cyanide

(d)bromine in tetrachloromethane

(e)hydrogen chloride

7.Ethoxyethane (bp 308K) is more volatile than ethanol (bp 351K) largely because of:

(a)the greater relative molecular mass of the ether

(b)the strength of th C-O bonds in the ether

(c)the different shapes of molecules

(d)the highly polar-OH group in ethanol

(e) intramolecular hydrogen bonding between ether molecules

8. Which of the following is the strongest acid?

(a)benzenecarboxylic acid

(b)trichloroethanoic acid

(c)carbonic acid

(d)sodium hydrogensulphate

9.Which of the following compounds is a polyester

(a)dimethyl benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate

(b)poly(ethenyl ethanoate)

(d) terylene

(e)poly(phenylethene)(polystyrene)

10.Which of the following is an inaccurate description of a nucleophile

(a) an acidic reagent

(b)a basic reagent

(d) a species which often contains a lone pair of electrons

(e) a reagent which attacks electron deficient sites in molecules

Answers:

1C 2E 3D 4D 5C 6C 7D 8B 9 D 10A

Preliminary organic chemistry tutorial 1

2008-09-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

What kind of structural information about organic compounds can be deduced from the following information?

(i) A hydrocarbon which rapidly decolourises bromine?

This compound is an alkene.

Reasoning: Alkenes undergo an ionic addition reaction with bromine/chlorine in the presence of tetrachloroethane or acetic acid, at room temperature in the absence of light. In the presence of light free radical addition reaction with the halogens will occur.

(ii) A compound that is oxidised to a ketone.

This is a secondary alcohol

Reasoning: Secondary alcohols are oxidised to ketones. The reaction involves the fusion of the RO-H bond and the formation of a carbocation which is stabilised by electron donating alkyl groups.

(iii) A compound which reacts with iodine in alkaline solution to form a yellow solid

The compound contains either a CH₃CH(OH)^- or a CH₃CO^- group.

Reasoning: Both undergo the iodoform reaction. Triiodomethane and a carboxylic acid are produced at the end of the reaction.The methyl group is is converted triiodomethane, which is a yellow precipitate.

(iv) A compound which forms a silver mirror when heated with Tollens' reagent.

An aldehyde will form this silver mirror.

Reasoning: Tollens reagent is used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones. With Tollens reagent Ag⁺ ions react with OH^- of aqueous ammonia to produce a brown precipitate of AgOH which is dissolved on addition of an excess of aqueous ammonia under the formation of
[Ag(NH₃)2]⁺. This is reduced to metallic silver by aldehydes as it has hydrogens on the carbonyl carbon which can be removed while the ketone does not and so it cannot undergo this oxidation.

(v) A organic compound reacts with sodium carbonate

The organic compund contains a carboxylic acid group or a derivative of such a group.

Sodium carbonate is basic and reacts with carboxylic acid to produce a salt, carbon dioxide and water as products. The effervecence is therefore, due to the presence of carbon dioxide. Carboxylic acid derivatives react in a similar manner.

Name the functional groups present in the following compound:

1.Carboxylic acid (COOH)

2. Phenol (C6H5OH)

What is the molecular formula for the above compound?

C7H6O3

Cramming in college chemistry-college chemistry

2008-09-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

If you have, then, I’m sure your now questioning why you let this happen. You are probably feel overwhelmed and stressed out with the amount of work to be in the little time you have left. You still need to pass but what’s the best way to approach the problem? Of course we’ve got you back at How to excel in college, with 5 steps to help you with this problem.

1.The first thing to do is to organize yourself. Find a friend /classmate who takes good notes and goes to classes and tutorials regularly. You’ll need to photocopy the notes you missed . Its better to photocopy ,as writing will take up too much precious time. Ensure you ask the classmate early as the longer you take to ask the less likely it is the person will be willing to lend you a book. That person has to study too, after all. You may even have a friend who did the course previously , if the teacher is the same, more than likely so are the notes, so you can also ask such a person to lend you their notes. In addition, try to obtain a copy of the required text.

2.Choose the information you will study. You will not be able to finish studying everything for the exam. So a wise choice would be a good 60-70% of the material which will make up about 80% of the exam.
Now that you have all the notes, it is time to study. Start with the notes you missed first. You need to become familiar with them, so allocate more time to studying them than to those you already understand and have studied.

3.Next, Avoid being overwhelmed by splitting the notes into manageable pieces .These sections , shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete. Read each section slowly at first . If there is anything you don’t understand try referring to your textbook for clarification.. Make certain you understand the concepts. Practically speaking, however, if there’s some material you don’t understand and realize you wont have time to, its probably best you try to use memorization techniques, such as concept maps, to remember the information.

4 .Now that you’ve read and understood its time to memorize. To do this, reread each section before moving on to another. Writing helps memory so try to do this while studying, if you have enough time. Practice by doing tutorials and look at past paper questions. This last step is very important ,you need to become familiar with possible question, this will definitely boost your grade.

5. Join a study group if possible, to fill in any gaps in knowledge that you may have. Be careful to do this after you’ve done a great deal of studying on you own. If you don’t you will find yourself being lost as you may not have covered the material which is being looked at.

Inspirational quotes-Chemistry inspirational quotes

2008-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

If you could use a bit of inspiration ,hopefully these quotes will help you a bit.

You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'

-George Bernard Shaw

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

-Unknown

"If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self."

- Napoleon Hill

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."

-Roger Bannister

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."

-Vince Lombardi

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." -Unknown

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill "Success seems to be connected with action. Successful men keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit."- Conrad Hilton

"A man's doubts and fears are his worst enemies.”

– Unknown

Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals.

- Unknown

When things go wrong as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don't give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not QUIT.
-Unknown

Morningness is a predictor of better grades in college

2008-09-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Morningness is a predictor of better grades in college, according to a research abstract that will be presented on June 9 at SLEEP 2008, the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).

The study, authored by Kendry Clay, of the University of North Texas, focused on 824 undergraduate students who were enrolled in psychology classes. The subjects completed a health survey which included questions regarding sleep habits and aspects of daytime functioning.

According to the results, college students who are evening types had lower GPAs, while those who are morning types had higher GPAs.

"The finding that college students who are evening types have lower GPAs is a very important finding, sure to make its way into undergraduate psychology texts in the near future, along with the research showing that memory is improved by sleep," said Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, of the University of North Texas, Ms. Clay's faculty mentor, a co-author, and who developed the concept for this study. "Further, these results suggest that it might be possible to improve academic performance by using chronotherapy to help students entrain their biological clock to become more morning types."

Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2008, June 10). Morningness Is A Predictor Of Better Grades In College. ScienceDaily.Retrieved October 10, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/06/080609071331.htm

Things to look out for when analyzing proton-NMR data

2008-09-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

N+1 Splitting Rule

Each proton type “senses” the number of equivalent proton(s) (let us call this number, n) present on the carbon atoms which are next to it. In response, its resonance peak, instead of showing one peak, is split into (n+1) components

Coupling constants

Coupling constants of protons which cause splitting of each others resonance peaks, have the same value.

Spin-spin splitting- usually only caused by protons which are located next to each other

Integrals- These can be used to give relative numbers of each type of hydrogen present. As long as there is more than one peak present, ratios of the integral heights of the peaks can be used to determine the number of protons which give rise to each peak.

To do this: First the heights of the integrals are measured. The larger values are divided by the smallest value to obtain simple ratios. The true ratios must be found via multiplication of the simple ratio. For e.g. if a 1.5:1.0 ratio is found for the simple formula, clearly you can’t have 1.5 protons. These values must be multiplied by 2 to obtain the true ratio of 3:2 protons

Multiplet Skewing – The peaks present for multiplets are usually of different heights. An arrow can sometimes be drawn from the peak of the smallest height to that of the largest height, which indicates the the direction of the peaks which correspond to a proton or maybe the groups of protons which causes the splitting. So this therefore, gives you clues as to the location of peaks which belong to protons/groups of protons that are adjacent to the proton/groups of protons that are represented by the multiplet.

Extra Tip:The ethyl groups multiplet peaks have height ratios of 1:3:3:1 while resonance peaks for methyl groups have a height ratio of 1:2:1

Breaking Bad Habits

2008-09-02T01:48:00.001-07:00

Bad Choices, Bad Habits

Regaining Your Ability to Choose is Key to Breaking Habits

Habit is any action that we have performed so often that it becomes almost an involuntary response. If we consider this habit to be undesirable then we may label it a "bad habit". People spend countless hours and dollars each year attempting to break these bad habits and often do not have any success. Why? Because there is no magic bullet. Change is hard work and there is no short cut to achieving it. The steps a person needs to take, however, can be very simply outlined. To effect a change in habits, one needs to bring the action back into the realm of consciousness and regain the ability to make choices.
What's the Payoff?
The first step in breaking a bad habit is to look at why you find this action so compelling. In other words, what's the payoff for doing this seemingly negative thing? Since you've already classified this as a "bad" habit you may be tempted to say there isn't one. But look closer. There is always a payoff. Let's say your bad habit is yelling at your kids. What's in it for you? You let off some steam and feel a little better for the moment. Or you have a bad habit of leaving the dishes unwashed? The payoff could be that you get to spend more time on the Internet!
What's the Trade Off
Next, take a look at the trade off. What is it that you are losing by exercising your habit? This step should be easier. Just think why it is that you consider it a bad habit in the first place. Yelling at your kids is a bad habit because it leaves everybody feeling tense and tears down your children's self-esteem. You are trading a temporary release of tension for the emotional health of your children. Leaving the dishes undone is a bad habit because your kitchen is a smelly mess. To have more Internet time you are trading off having a pleasant living environment. When you look at it that way it doesn't seem like you are making very wise choices, does it? There has to be a better way.
Time to Make a Choice!
Now that you've weighed both sides of the issue--your payoff and your tradeoff--it's time to make a choice. It's no longer an involuntary act because now you know that you are making a choice every time you perform this action. You are choosing what you value more: the payoff or the tradeoff! Each time you start to do whatever the bad habit is now you have to actively choose. Which do you value more? Do you value more the relief you get by yelling at your kids or do you value their emotional well-being? Do you value more having more Internet time or having a pleasant place to live?
Substituting Better Behaviors
The whole reason you formed your habits in the first place is that they filled a need. You had tension that needed relief or you had a desire to surf the Net. As you break the old patterns you still need a way to fulfill these needs. You will be not only making an active choice to not do the old action you will also be making a choice to perform a better, alternative action in its place. Instead of yelling at your kids you might decide to go for a run every time you are feeling tense. Instead of letting dirty dishes pile up you may decide to use paper plates when you are eating alone. What the new habit is that you substitute isn't so important as whether you feel good about the choices you have made. After all, the reason you consider it a bad habit is because it leaves you feeling bad about yourself.
I t's Up to You
By now you should realize that the only way to continue with a bad habit for very long is to sink back into denial of why you are doing it in the first place. Each time you begin to resume your old patterns the thought will pass through your mind that you are trading X for Y each time you perform that action. You will be forced to make a choice, whether good for bad, about continuing your habit. What choices will you make? The one that makes you feel bad about yourself or the one that makes you feel good? It's up to you.

Article source:Bad Choices, Bad Habits

Breaking Bad Habits

2008-09-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

Came across this interesting article. If you're interested in breaking a bad habit, I think its worth reading. Hope you guys find it useful.

Bad Choices, Bad Habits
Regaining Your Ability to Choose is Key to Breaking Habits

Habit is any action that we have performed so often that it becomes almost an involuntary response. If we consider this habit to be undesirable then we may label it a "bad habit". People spend countless hours and dollars each year attempting to break these bad habits and often do not have any success. Why? Because there is no magic bullet. Change is hard work and there is no short cut to achieving it. The steps a person needs to take, however, can be very simply outlined. To effect a change in habits, one needs to bring the action back into the realm of consciousness and regain the ability to make choices.
What's the Payoff?
The first step in breaking a bad habit is to look at why you find this action so compelling. In other words, what's the payoff for doing this seemingly negative thing? Since you've already classified this as a "bad" habit you may be tempted to say there isn't one. But look closer. There is always a payoff. Let's say your bad habit is yelling at your kids. What's in it for you? You let off some steam and feel a little better for the moment. Or you have a bad habit of leaving the dishes unwashed? The payoff could be that you get to spend more time on the Internet!
What's the Trade Off
Next, take a look at the trade off. What is it that you are losing by exercising your habit? This step should be easier. Just think why it is that you consider it a bad habit in the first place. Yelling at your kids is a bad habit because it leaves everybody feeling tense and tears down your children's self-esteem. You are trading a temporary release of tension for the emotional health of your children. Leaving the dishes undone is a bad habit because your kitchen is a smelly mess. To have more Internet time you are trading off having a pleasant living environment. When you look at it that way it doesn't seem like you are making very wise choices, does it? There has to be a better way.
Time to Make a Choice!
Now that you've weighed both sides of the issue--your payoff and your tradeoff--it's time to make a choice. It's no longer an involuntary act because now you know that you are making a choice every time you perform this action. You are choosing what you value more: the payoff or the tradeoff! Each time you start to do whatever the bad habit is now you have to actively choose. Which do you value more? Do you value more the relief you get by yelling at your kids or do you value their emotional well-being? Do you value more having more Internet time or having a pleasant place to live?
Substituting Better Behaviors
The whole reason you formed your habits in the first place is that they filled a need. You had tension that needed relief or you had a desire to surf the Net. As you break the old patterns you still need a way to fulfill these needs. You will be not only making an active choice to not do the old action you will also be making a choice to perform a better, alternative action in its place. Instead of yelling at your kids you might decide to go for a run every time you are feeling tense. Instead of letting dirty dishes pile up you may decide to use paper plates when you are eating alone. What the new habit is that you substitute isn't so important as whether you feel good about the choices you have made. After all, the reason you consider it a bad habit is because it leaves you feeling bad about yourself.
I t's Up to You
By now you should realize that the only way to continue with a bad habit for very long is to sink back into denial of why you are doing it in the first place. Each time you begin to resume your old patterns the thought will pass through your mind that you are trading X for Y each time you perform that action. You will be forced to make a choice, whether good for bad, about continuing your habit. What choices will you make? The one that makes you feel bad about yourself or the one that makes you feel good? It's up to you.

Article source:Bad Choices, Bad Habits

How to cram for a college exam-College college study tips

2008-09-02T00:32:00.000-07:00

Though we all know its not the best way to study, we sometimes find our selves in situation were it seems it can not be avoided. Cramming must be done. When that happens use these tips for making the best use of the time you have to study.

You will have to pick the material to study. It isn’t possible to review all the material the night before. You will have to choose to study material to cover for the chemistry exam.

Make a plan as to what you need to study and follow that plan. Determine what you will need study and the time which you need to dedicate to this.

Recite the material many times. Try to use mnemonics, visuals and read the material aloud so that it sticks better

DON’T PANIC!!! You will only worsen the situation by doing this. Try to relax
If you find your self very anxious try these relaxation techniques :

Calm down by taking deep breaths and close your eyes ,concentrate on different areas of body, such as your feet, shoulders .Focus on how they feel, any tension present(if they are try to relax these muscles) and so on. Repeat for a different area of the body .

Reduce anxiety by thinking about a time and place in which you found it easy to relax, such as a vacation on the white sand beaches of Negril, Jamaica

Try to keep positive attitude. Believe that you will remember the information . Try not to criticize yourself for starting so late. This type of behavior is unhelpful

Try to avoid the use of caffeine to keep you awake throughout the night. Skipping valuable sleep will cause rob you of sleep which actually help memory, it might cause you to be jittery .

Inspiring Story:"The Child Called It"

2008-08-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

"One evening, towards the end of her "game," after I had finished my chores, Mother slammed a plate of food in front of me. The cold leftovers were a feast to my eyes. But I was wary; it seemed too good to be true. "Two minutes!" Mother barked. "You have two minutes to eat. That's all." Like lightening I picked up the fork, but the moment before the food touched my mouth, Mother snatched the plate away from me and emptied the food down the garbage disposal. "Too late!" she sneered. I stood before her dumbstruck. I didn't know what to do or say. All I could think of was "Why?" I couldn't understand why she treated me the way she did. I was so close that I could smell every morsel. I knew she wanted me to cave in, but I stood fast and held back the tears.

Mother had another favorite game for me while Father was away. She sent me to clean the bathroom with her usual time limits. But this time, she put a bucket, filled with a mixture of ammonia and Clorox, in the room with me and closed the door. The first time she did this, Mother informed me she had read about it in a newspaper and wanted to try it. Even though I acted as if I were frightened, I really wasn"t. I was ignorant about what was going to happen. Only when Mother closed the door and ordered me not to open it, did I begin to worry. With the room sealed, the air began to quickly change. In the corner of the bathroom I dropped to my hands and knees and stared at the bucket. A fine gray mist swirled towards the ceiling. As I breathed in the fumes, I collapsed and began spitting up. My throat felt like it was on fire. Within minutes it was raw. The gas from the reaction of the ammonia and Clorox mixture made my eyes water. I was frantic about not being able to meet Mother"s time limits for cleaning the bathroom."

You have just read an excerpt from the novel "The Child called It" by Dave Pelzer. Dave has experienced a truly extraordinary life. As a child, he endured the horrors of child abuse, which included physical torture, mental cruelty, and near starvation. Upon Dave's rescue, he was identified as one of the most severely abused children in California's history. At age 12, Dave's teachers risked their careers to notify the authorities and saved his life. Upon Dave's removal, he was made a ward of the court and placed in foster care until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. As a young adult Dave was determined to better himself--no matter what the odds. Some of Dave's distinctive accomplishments have been recognized through a number of awards, as well as personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush.In 1993, Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans.

My goodness, I really am still in awe of what Mr. Dave Pelzer survived and overcame as a child. Boy, sometimes you feel like your troubles are greater than everyone else , only to realise that there people out there who have been through so much more and still managaged to overcome the obstacles. If you can get your hands on a copy, I highly recommend you read this book. I found this book really inspiring and I know you will too. I also came across a document where Mr. Pelzer shares some sage advice how to overcome any adversity in our lives, I think its definately worth reading.Click here for Dave Pelzer's advice

Money for college-4-Things to Check your College Financial Aid!

2008-08-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

College financial aid is a smart financial tool available to students who wish to seek higher education in the colleges, but are hindered by financial incapabilities. Financial aids can take the form of scholarships, need-based awards, work-study employment etc. The need based financial aid is settled on two facts, namely, the total cost incurred in the education, and the financial ability of the student’s family. The work-study employment on the other hand allows the students to work for minimum hours along with their regular college study.
Before any college student gets interested in any kind of medium for procuring college financial aid, it becomes necessary that he or she should get the idea on how to do the things accordingly. Here are the 4-most promiscuous points that need to be considered while selecting the financial aid of your choice:

· Check out the Financial Aid Applications of different colleges. Remember, there’s a deadline to meet by every student in order to fill completed Federal financial aid application. In addition, there are many colleges and universities, which demand Financial Aid Profile (FAP). A point of caution here. If you skip the deadline, you end up paying lot of money as college tuition fee.
· Meet the financial professional who qualifies and holds vast experience in the field of college funding and allied issues. He can give you a genuine advice on what is needed for securing college financial aid for your studies.
· Don’t get swayed by the College Financial Aid executives, as they can put forth a falsified presentation. The College Financial Aid executive would entice the students to go for the financial aid by saying that the process is simple and needs only filling of the prescribed form. Actually the process isn’t really that really simple one! No executive can help you decide your eligibility for college financial aid.
· Plan your assets well, as this would immensely reduce your expenses, and make you a satisfied soul altogether.
The points listed out here are some of the generic ones, which would help you in deciding on college financial aid.

Money for college-All you wanted to know on College Scholarships

2008-08-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

College scholarships are considered as a good alternative to student loans. Why good, because, when the students take loans for their job, they have to pay back after the graduation and that too with interests. This really becomes a tormenting condition for a student, especially, if he or she is looking for further studies. When a student goes for college scholarship programs, you have one thing right clear, and that is you have to be intelligent and above average student. You cannot simply apply for the scholarship program, because there is certain criterion that needs to be followed. There are college scholarships available, which are given out by administration in colleges and universities, and also in some cases, corporations or foundations dispense scholarship programs.
College Scholarships can also be need based, wherein the individual need of the students are addressed and looked before dispensing the scholarships. Don’t confuse your scholarship programs with financial aid such as the one in FAFSA. However, in case a student from a particular educational wing does not clear the educational requirements then obviously no scholarships at all! Yeah! It seems too hard to say that!
Another important point to make out here is that those need based scholarships are one step ahead than private scholarships. It is because, need based college scholarships offer more money than the private scholarships.
A good student would be the one who has a minimum GPA of 3.0, and majoring in a specific field of study. Most of the students are not able to maintain a consistent GPA, and if given a brief view on their academic details, there are many occasions when students have performed well in some situations, whereas at other times, their GPA made a sudden dip. Such students therefore become ineligible for the college scholarships.
Still, in many of the situations, the college scholarships go unnoticed because they are not advertised in the public, and the deserving students have to bear the brunt. Lastly, if you are really worthy and confident about how to avail scholarship for your study need, the best way would be to get in touch with individual faculty/department of study.

Money for college-How to get Instant College loans?

2008-08-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Are scholarships not sufficient to complete your study program? And moreover you think that federal grants will not help you achieve your study goals! It is here that ccollege loans will fulfill your needs and desires. The loans are meant to sustain your tertiary studies and are also one of the sought after option to supplement the financial study package.
Just imagine, what would you do when your college’s tuition fee is hiked, or you need a basic research equipment to do some experiments? All this and much more can be easily cashed using College loans. However, the crux of the entire thing is that who gives these loans, what terms and conditions a student should follow in order to secure College loans for his or her studies? Practically, college loans are more important for studies in a private college or a private aided institution, rather than any Federal funding institution.
The best way to get instant college loans is to do online comparison. Compare at least four lenders and analyze what are their payment terms. Check whether the lenders have good reputation in terms of service and repayments. Confirm, whether the repayment term begins as soon as you complete your college, or does the lender give you time to begin the repayments. Take an objective view of everything; see if there is any hidden fee, what are the terms and conditions of the loan? Etc.
There are many lenders, which charge heavy interest rates on the college loans, and it can really burden you. Therefore, be extremely wary on that issue as well! Once you meticulously look into all these facts, you will get a fair idea of the whole scenario, and this would ensure you instant college loan for your study requirements.
Don’t get swayed away by just any lender. There are hordes of financial institutions offering loans for study, but all of them are not good options to explore. Remember, when you apply for ccollege loans, you should plan to get the things worked out to your benefits. After all, you have a career to built, and not get entangled in paying heavy interest rates.

Money for college-Why to go for College loans?

2008-08-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

College loans are the smart means to address your study needs, and provide you with continued and quality education. You can apply for a private student loan, irrespective of the fact whether you got a consistent GPA in your primary and secondary education.

However, the significant point to make out here is that why students go for college loans? There can be many reasons associated with it. Some of the obvious reasons include:

· College loans are the best means for the students seeking higher education in different subjects and field of study. It can be avionics, pharmaceutics, or anything under the sun.
· Another reason to go for college loans is that students think studying a particular course curriculum needs money, and which cannot be met individually all by student’s family. For example, if a student is enrolled for graduate program in aviation, it is very obvious that student would need more money to complete solo flying hours.
· Financial crisis is yet another most probable reason on why students opt for college loans. Loans for studying and paying tuition fees would otherwise help those students whose families suffer from deep financial crisis.
· Loans for study are also required to lessen the amount of financial burden that would otherwise make the students loose their concentration and interest. The financial burden of study would also tend to deflect the students from the aim for which they have sought the admission to the course.

Having described about the reason why students go for college loans, let’s take a thumbnail view of the benefits of college loans. Most of the finance institutions offer study loans at lower rate of interests, and moreover, loans are also easily available. And the best thing is that students don’t have to pay the loan amount during the course of study. Once, student has completed the course, and found a suitable job for him or her, one can start repaying the loan amount in installments. The best thing is that students can also delay the timings of repayment, depending entirely on the conditions under consideration.

Money for college-Avoid College Scholarship scams

2008-08-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

College Scholarships are the means of easing financial burden for the students who are looking forward to study and earn higher education. Seeking a scholarship is an easy recourse, provided if you have attained a certain basic GPA. However, there are many other people who are already willing to take up undue advantage of the needs of the students seeking College Scholarships.

Here are few important tips that would help the students in getting genuine college scholarships:

· Don’t Ever Pay in order to secure a scholarship program for yourself. There are many scammers available in the market, as well as online who are busy in their job to dupe and rob the students of their money. Many of the touts would also claim administrative costs under the title of student scholarship.

· Don’t succumb to pressures. It is very true in the present scenario, where market is packed with con mans, representing as the part of college management. Such con mans apply smart pressure tactics on the students who want to get a college scholarship anyhow. Remember, if you fulfill the criteria of individual college, then necessarily you qualify for the college scholarship, and in this case, you don’t need to address to any private concerns.

· Don’t give heed to anybody who’s pestering you in some or the other way. Strictly ignore the calls that say – You have been selected for the scholarship program. All such statements seem tempting, but then, at the end, only students have to bear the brunt.

· Don’t give complete details about yourself, or your identity to anybody over the phone. It would be the best idea to ignore a person whom you think is not legitimate.

· Don’t get or seek advice from anybody other than the genuine counselor or the financial aid administrator. He or she is the one to approach in case of doubt on the eligibility criteria delineated in the student scholarship program.

Keepthese points in your mind before you try your luck to secure for securing college scholarships in different colleges. The underlying idea is to be safe while enrolling for scholarship programs.

Serial Dilution

2008-05-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

A dilution represents the ratio of the concentrated/ stock solution to the total final volume /weight of both the solute and solvent. Serial dilutions involve the use of a series of dilutions to arrive at the desired concentration instead of making one large dilution as with simple dilution. You begin with a solution lets call it solution A, which has a known volume and then solute will be taken from this and diluted with a solvent forming solution B. Solute will then be taken from solution B and diluted with a solvent to form solution C. Similar steps can be followed until you get the desired final volume. Serial dilutions allows the use of small quantities of solute/solvent to get dilutions which are relatively large. Before you carry out a serial dilution in the lab you will need to know:

*The concentration of the original, stock solution

*The desired concentration of your dilute solution

*The dilution factor and the number of dilution to be made to get the desired concentration

Lets first have a quick review of dilution factors:

A 1:10 dilution represents 1 unit volume of solute is dissolved in 9 unit volumes of solute to get a total solution volume of 10 units.

Carrying out a serial dilution in the lab

Take some solute, add solvent from this to make the next dilution. Follow this stepwise arrangement until you have reached your desired concentration .*When carrrying out experiments in the lab be sure to mix your thoroughly

For serial dilutions the following equation applies:

original concentration/New concentration= Overall dilution factor

To get the overall concentration simply multiply all the concentartions

Example:

If a serial dilution consisting of two 1:10 dilutions are carried out, to get the overall dilution factor:

1/10 * 1/10=1/100

Action Breeds Motivation

2008-05-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Discover a way to finally banish unproductive days and find yourself continually motivated and productive. Learn the answer to taking the action necessary for a life of productivity in the following 3 examples.

Problem #1: You hit a brick wall. No matter what aspect of our life we are thinking of right now, there are times when we come to a point where we just don't know what we must do next. We are faced with a situation where we cannot see the next step. What are we supposed to do next?
Answer: Instead of remaining paralyzed, list several options for the next possible steps of action. Instead of doing nothing and wasting all the precious return of the work already completed, take action.
Write out the list of possible actions that could be taken. Write the list till you come to something that you could do immediately and begin.
The action of beginning is usually the action that breaks the paralysis of unproductivity!

Problem #2: We have no desire to do the next thing. We've come to a place where we haven't got the ambition to do what it takes. We don't really even want an answer as to why we aren't motivated - we just want to do nothing!
Answer:It's time to review your objectives for doing this project. Why did you choose to start this project? What are the benefits of completing this project?
When you have reviewed your reasons for doing this project go back to your list of action steps (you do have one for each project, don't you?) and choose one action step. Begin on that one action and watch your lack of motivation fly out the window!

Problem #3: Too many things need our attention at once! We are bombarded with so many things that must be done we cannot see ourselves ever getting any of them done! Life is so busy that it doesn't seem to matter where I put my effort; something else screams louder and calls me away. This leaves me running in circles and being unproductive.
Answer: When all projects and demands are due now or past due it's time to jot down each task and the steps you must take to complete them. On your new task list put each job in order of importance and devote 15 - 30 minutes to each of the #1 jobs in each category.
As you begin to see progress the enormity of your responsibilities begins to melt away and you have a focus in each area to complete all the demands on your time.
The bottom line: when you lose motivation, regain it quickly by taking action!

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