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How to Use Chemistry Reference Tables

Chemistry is a technical science that deals primarily with elements and compounds. Their structure, properties and composition are observed in the many formulas and equations that explain chemical phenomena. But the wealth of important chemistry-related information may be too dense to memorize. Fortunately, many schools and institutions offer reference tables to help chemistry students and learners. These tables include many of the common equations, formulas, elements and compounds that people will encounter when studying the science.

Instructions

- 1
  Observe the periodic table of elements. Many chemistry-related experiments and expressions use several elements in formulas and compounds. Instead of writing the entire name of an element, its symbol is used in its place. View the periodic table of elements to learn the elements and compounds used in formulas.
- 2
  Study the formulas and equations placed on the reference table. When taking a test, there will be many questions that require formulas and equations to be filled out. Fortunately, many reference tables include important formulas and equations for properties such as density, temperature, heat and concentration. Replace the symbols in the equations with the values displayed in the question. For example, in a question asking for the density of an object, replace the mass (m) and volume (v) with the values expressed in the question.
- 3
  View the list of common acids and bases. A base is a compound of several elements that is slippery to the touch and has a bitter taste. An acid is a compound that can react with a base to form a salt. Students will encounter several common acids (such as phosphoric acid) and bases (such as calcium hydroxide) in questions, equations and formulas. Observe the reference table for a list of common acids and bases, as well as a list of the elements that comprise them.

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