If you feel you are answering one of the Honors Option problems correctly, the issue may be something simple like using slightly different values for constants, significant figures, or rounding (especially in multiple step problems). Before giving up or asking for help, please check the items below:
Format for scientific notation
If you are asked to (or choose to) give an answer requiring scientific notation on a homework problem, enter it as follows: Enter 2.45 X 10-5 M as 2.45E-5 M
Significant figures
Check to see if your answer has the correct number of significant figures.
Rounding for significant sigures
If multistep problems involve several multiplications or divisions, only round to the correct number of significant figures when completing the problem.
If multistep problems involve both addition/subtraction and multiplication/division, apply the sig fig rule for addition/subtraction before multiplying/dividing (or vice versa)
For any problem requiring the use of molar masses
For molar masses, use the values in this periodic table. Using other values (rounded differently) might result in slightly different answers that the program does not accept.
Conversion factors between imperial and metric units
For conversion factors between imperial and metric units, use the ones supplied in the syllabus: 10.6 qt = 1 L, 454 g = 1 lb, 2.54 cm = 1 in. Googling and using other conversion factors might result in slightly different answers that the program does not accept.
Values for Constants
Use the values provided below:
- Avogadros’ number: 6.022E23
- R = 0.0821 L·atm/mol·K
- c = 3.00E8 m/s
