Dimensional Analysis

- Just like converting between currencies in Chemistry it is usually necessary to convert between units.
- This process is called Dimensional Analysis

Steps

1. Find a unit equality

2. Find the conversion factors

3. Apply conversion factor

4. Cancel units

Example

- How many miles are equal to 120 km?

1 mile = 1.6 km                               Unit equality

1 = 1 mile                                       Conversion factor

      1.6 km

(120 km)(1 mile)                            Use the conversion factor

               1.6 km 

= 75                                               Cancel units

Heres a short and simple way to explain if your on the right track: da_flow_chart.gif