How to Perform Basic Dimensional

Analysis

Introduction

Dimensional Analysis is the analysis of the relationship between two units of measurement,

such as miles to kilometers. and is used It is used as a convenient way to convert between units,

particularly in chemistry, where you will need to convert between units constantly within

problems. This guide will help you understand the relationship between two units and be able

to convert between any given unit. However, a basic understanding of chemistry, the periodic

table, and basic algebra is required.

Instructions

1. Analyze the problem by writing down what units are given to you and what units you

need to end up with. Example: If a problem gives you 10 grams of water and asks for

what that is in moles, then you need to convert grams to mols..

a. Note what units are given to you and note what units you need to end up with.

Also be sure to look for other miscellaneous information that might be

important.

10.0 g H2O  ? mol H2O

2. Find necessary conversion rates. Some problems will give you the conversion rate, while

others will require you to either know the conversion or to find the units in order to

make a conversion. The conversion rates which you will find depend on the problem. In

the above example, you would need to find how many grams of water are in a unit of

mol – in this case, you would find the atomic mass of water, found on the periodic table.

a. Note what unit conversion rates you are given and what unit conversion rates

you will need to know.

1 mol H2O = 18.0146 g H2O (Combine the molar masses of H2 and O)

3. Set up the equation. by starting with the units you know and putting them over one. To

convert to the units you need, multiply your original units so that they are multiplied by

their reciprocal in order for them to cancel (put them under their conversion). For

example, put how many grams of water you have over one, and multiply it by the

conversion rate in fraction form – make sure the grams cancel out.

a. Like in algebra, units cancel – make sure to cancel undesired units in order to get

to the final answer

❑❑ ❑
( ) * ( ❑)
❑ ❑❑
 – the equation is set up so that grams of H2O cancel, and we are left with moles.

4. Calculate to get the final answer.Solve the equation in order to get your answer – in

most cases, it is much easier to use a calculator. Make sure the units you end up with

after the equation is included in your final answer. In the case of the example above,

since grams cancelled out, you should be left with mols of water.

a. Be sure to include final units and to double check your work.

❑❑ ❑
( ) * ( ❑ ) = 0.555 mol H2O
❑ ❑

Example
1. The problem asks you to convert 10 grams of water into mols of water.

2. To convert grams of water to mols of water, you need the molar mass of water. It can

be found by combining the molar masses of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

3. The grams of water should cancel with the grams of the molar mass – therefore, put

mols on top and grams on the bottom.

4. Calculate the final equation and cancel necessary units.

10.0 g H2O  ? mols H2O

1 mol H2O  18.0146 g H2O
❑❑ ❑❑
*
❑ ❑❑
❑❑ ❑❑
* = 0.556 mol H2O
❑ ❑❑