Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 1: Chemistry: An Introduction
Solution and Answer Guide
ZUMDAHL/DECOSTE, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10E, 9798214115399;
CHAPTER 1: CHEMISTRY: AN INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Chemistry: An Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
1.2 What Is Chemistry? ......................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach ............................................................ 2
1.4 The Scientific Method .................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Learning Chemistry ......................................................................................................... 3
1.1 CHEMISTRY: AN INTRODUCTION
2. The first paragraphs in this chapter ask you if you have ever wondered how and why
various things in our everyday lives happen the way they do. For your next class
meeting, make a list of five similar chemistry-related things for discussion with your
instructor and the other students in your class.
Answer:
The answer will depend on student examples.
4. The “Chemistry in Focus” segment titled Dr. Ruth—Cotton Hero discusses the
enormous contribution of Dr. Ruth Rogan Benerito to the survival of the cotton fabric
industry in the United States. In the discussion, it was mentioned that Dr. Benerito
became a chemist when women were not expected to be interested in, or good at,
scientific subjects. Has this attitude changed? Among your own friends, approximately
how many of your female friends are studying a science? How many plan to pursue a
career in science? Discuss.
Answer:
Answer depends on student responses/examples.
1.2 WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?
6. We use chemical reactions in our everyday lives, too, not just in the science laboratory.
Give at least five examples of chemical transformations that you use in your daily
activities. Indicate what the “chemical” is in each of your examples and how you
recognize that a chemical change has taken place.
Answer:
© 2026 1
, Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 1: Chemistry: An Introduction
This answer depends on your own experience, but consider the following examples:
oven cleaner (the label says it contains sodium hydroxide; it converts the burned-on
grease in the oven to a soapy material that washes away); drain cleaner (the label says
it contains sodium hydroxide; it dissolves the clog of hair in the drain); stomach
antacid (the label says it contains calcium carbonate; it makes me belch and makes
my stomach feel better); hydrogen peroxide (the label says it is a 3% solution of
hydrogen peroxide; when applied to a wound, it bubbles); depilatory cream (the label
says it contains sodium hydroxide; it removes unwanted hair from skin).
1.3 SOLVING PROBLEMS USING A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
8. Being a scientist is very much like being a detective. Detectives such as Sherlock
Holmes and Miss Marple perform a very systematic analysis of a crime to solve it,
much like a scientist does when addressing a scientific investigation. What are the
steps that scientists (or detectives) use to solve problems?
Answer:
The scientist must recognize the problem and state it clearly, propose possible
solutions or explanations, and then decide through experimentation which solution or
explanation is best.
1.4 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
10. Observations may be either qualitative or quantitative. A measurement is a
quantitative observation involving both a number and a unit. What is a qualitative
observation? List five examples of qualitative observations you might make around
your home or school. List five examples of measurements you might make in everyday
life.
Answer:
Answer depends on student response. A quantitative observation must include a
number. For example, “there are two windows in this room” represents a quantitative
observation, but “the walls of this room are yellow” is a qualitative observation.
12. True or false? If a theory is disproven, then all of the observations that support that
theory are also disproven. Explain.
Answer:
False. Theories can be refined and changed because they are interpretations. They
represent possible explanations of why nature behaves in a particular way. Theories
are refined by performing experiments and making new observations, not by proving
the existing observations as false (which is something that can be witnessed and
recorded).
14. Discuss several political, social, or personal considerations that might affect a
scientist’s evaluation of a theory. Give examples of how such external forces have
influenced scientists in the past. Discuss methods by which such bias might be
excluded from future scientific investigations.
© 2026 2
, Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 1: Chemistry: An Introduction
Answer:
Scientists are human, too. When a scientist formulates a hypothesis, he or she wants
it to be proven correct. In academic research, for example, scientists want to be able
to publish papers on their work to gain renown and acceptance from their colleagues.
In industrial situations, the financial success of the individual and of the company as a
whole may be at stake. Politically, scientists may be under pressure from the
government to “beat the other guy.”
16. Is the scientific method suitable for solving problems only in the sciences? Explain.
Answer:
No, it is useful whenever a systematic approach of observation and hypothesis testing
can be used. Scientific thinking can help you in all parts of your life. It’s worthwhile to
learn how to think scientifically—whether you want to be a scientist, an auto
mechanic, a doctor, a politician, or a poet!
1.5 LEARNING CHEMISTRY
18. Why is the ability to solve problems important in the study of chemistry? Why is it that
the method used to attack a problem is as important as the answer to the problem
itself?
Answer:
Chemistry is not merely a list of observations, definitions, and properties. Chemistry
is the study of very real interactions among different samples of matter, whether
within a living cell, or in a chemical factory. When we study chemistry, at least in the
beginning, we try to be as general and as nonspecific as possible, so that the basic
principles learned can be applied to many situations. In a beginning chemistry course,
we learn to interpret and solve a basic set of very simple problems in the hope that
the method of solving these simple problems can be extended to more complex
real life situations later on. The actual solution to a problem, at this point, is not as
important as learning how to recognize and interpret the problem, and how to propose
reasonable, experimentally testable hypotheses.
20. The “Chemistry in Focus” segment Chemistry: An Important Component of Your
Education discusses how studying chemistry can be beneficial not only in your
chemistry courses but also in your studies in general. What are some characteristics of
a good student, and how does studying chemistry help achieve these characteristics?
Answer:
A good student will: learn the background and fundamentals of the subject from their
classes and textbook; will develop the ability to recognize and solve problems and to
extend what was learned in the classroom to “real” situations; will learn to make
careful observations; and will be able to communicate effectively. While some
academic subjects may emphasize use of one or more of these skills, Chemistry
makes extensive use of all of them.
© 2026 3
, Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 2: Measurements and Calculations
Solution and Answer Guide
ZUMDAHL/DECOSTE, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10E, 9798214115399;
CHAPTER 2: MEASUREMENTS AND CALCULATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.1 Scientific Notation .......................................................................................................... 2
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Problems........................................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Units ................................................................................................................................ 4
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Measurements of Length, Volume, and Mass .............................................................. 5
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Uncertainty in Measurement ........................................................................................ 6
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Significant Figures.......................................................................................................... 7
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Rounding Off Numbers ......................................................................................................... 7
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Determining Significant Figures in Calculations ............................................................... 8
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Problems........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.6 Problem Solving and Dimensional Analysis ............................................................... 10
Questions .................................................................................................................................... 10
Problems....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.7 Temperature Conversions ............................................................................................ 13
Questions .....................................................................................................................................13
Problems.......................................................................................................................................13
2.8 Density ........................................................................................................................... 15
Questions .....................................................................................................................................15
Problems.......................................................................................................................................15
Additional Problems.................................................................................................................. 18
ChemWork Problems ................................................................................................................ 24
© 2026 1
Chapter 1: Chemistry: An Introduction
Solution and Answer Guide
ZUMDAHL/DECOSTE, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10E, 9798214115399;
CHAPTER 1: CHEMISTRY: AN INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 Chemistry: An Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
1.2 What Is Chemistry? ......................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Solving Problems Using a Scientific Approach ............................................................ 2
1.4 The Scientific Method .................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Learning Chemistry ......................................................................................................... 3
1.1 CHEMISTRY: AN INTRODUCTION
2. The first paragraphs in this chapter ask you if you have ever wondered how and why
various things in our everyday lives happen the way they do. For your next class
meeting, make a list of five similar chemistry-related things for discussion with your
instructor and the other students in your class.
Answer:
The answer will depend on student examples.
4. The “Chemistry in Focus” segment titled Dr. Ruth—Cotton Hero discusses the
enormous contribution of Dr. Ruth Rogan Benerito to the survival of the cotton fabric
industry in the United States. In the discussion, it was mentioned that Dr. Benerito
became a chemist when women were not expected to be interested in, or good at,
scientific subjects. Has this attitude changed? Among your own friends, approximately
how many of your female friends are studying a science? How many plan to pursue a
career in science? Discuss.
Answer:
Answer depends on student responses/examples.
1.2 WHAT IS CHEMISTRY?
6. We use chemical reactions in our everyday lives, too, not just in the science laboratory.
Give at least five examples of chemical transformations that you use in your daily
activities. Indicate what the “chemical” is in each of your examples and how you
recognize that a chemical change has taken place.
Answer:
© 2026 1
, Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 1: Chemistry: An Introduction
This answer depends on your own experience, but consider the following examples:
oven cleaner (the label says it contains sodium hydroxide; it converts the burned-on
grease in the oven to a soapy material that washes away); drain cleaner (the label says
it contains sodium hydroxide; it dissolves the clog of hair in the drain); stomach
antacid (the label says it contains calcium carbonate; it makes me belch and makes
my stomach feel better); hydrogen peroxide (the label says it is a 3% solution of
hydrogen peroxide; when applied to a wound, it bubbles); depilatory cream (the label
says it contains sodium hydroxide; it removes unwanted hair from skin).
1.3 SOLVING PROBLEMS USING A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
8. Being a scientist is very much like being a detective. Detectives such as Sherlock
Holmes and Miss Marple perform a very systematic analysis of a crime to solve it,
much like a scientist does when addressing a scientific investigation. What are the
steps that scientists (or detectives) use to solve problems?
Answer:
The scientist must recognize the problem and state it clearly, propose possible
solutions or explanations, and then decide through experimentation which solution or
explanation is best.
1.4 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
10. Observations may be either qualitative or quantitative. A measurement is a
quantitative observation involving both a number and a unit. What is a qualitative
observation? List five examples of qualitative observations you might make around
your home or school. List five examples of measurements you might make in everyday
life.
Answer:
Answer depends on student response. A quantitative observation must include a
number. For example, “there are two windows in this room” represents a quantitative
observation, but “the walls of this room are yellow” is a qualitative observation.
12. True or false? If a theory is disproven, then all of the observations that support that
theory are also disproven. Explain.
Answer:
False. Theories can be refined and changed because they are interpretations. They
represent possible explanations of why nature behaves in a particular way. Theories
are refined by performing experiments and making new observations, not by proving
the existing observations as false (which is something that can be witnessed and
recorded).
14. Discuss several political, social, or personal considerations that might affect a
scientist’s evaluation of a theory. Give examples of how such external forces have
influenced scientists in the past. Discuss methods by which such bias might be
excluded from future scientific investigations.
© 2026 2
, Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 1: Chemistry: An Introduction
Answer:
Scientists are human, too. When a scientist formulates a hypothesis, he or she wants
it to be proven correct. In academic research, for example, scientists want to be able
to publish papers on their work to gain renown and acceptance from their colleagues.
In industrial situations, the financial success of the individual and of the company as a
whole may be at stake. Politically, scientists may be under pressure from the
government to “beat the other guy.”
16. Is the scientific method suitable for solving problems only in the sciences? Explain.
Answer:
No, it is useful whenever a systematic approach of observation and hypothesis testing
can be used. Scientific thinking can help you in all parts of your life. It’s worthwhile to
learn how to think scientifically—whether you want to be a scientist, an auto
mechanic, a doctor, a politician, or a poet!
1.5 LEARNING CHEMISTRY
18. Why is the ability to solve problems important in the study of chemistry? Why is it that
the method used to attack a problem is as important as the answer to the problem
itself?
Answer:
Chemistry is not merely a list of observations, definitions, and properties. Chemistry
is the study of very real interactions among different samples of matter, whether
within a living cell, or in a chemical factory. When we study chemistry, at least in the
beginning, we try to be as general and as nonspecific as possible, so that the basic
principles learned can be applied to many situations. In a beginning chemistry course,
we learn to interpret and solve a basic set of very simple problems in the hope that
the method of solving these simple problems can be extended to more complex
real life situations later on. The actual solution to a problem, at this point, is not as
important as learning how to recognize and interpret the problem, and how to propose
reasonable, experimentally testable hypotheses.
20. The “Chemistry in Focus” segment Chemistry: An Important Component of Your
Education discusses how studying chemistry can be beneficial not only in your
chemistry courses but also in your studies in general. What are some characteristics of
a good student, and how does studying chemistry help achieve these characteristics?
Answer:
A good student will: learn the background and fundamentals of the subject from their
classes and textbook; will develop the ability to recognize and solve problems and to
extend what was learned in the classroom to “real” situations; will learn to make
careful observations; and will be able to communicate effectively. While some
academic subjects may emphasize use of one or more of these skills, Chemistry
makes extensive use of all of them.
© 2026 3
, Solution and Answer Guide: Zumdahl/DeCoste, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10e, 9798214115399;
Chapter 2: Measurements and Calculations
Solution and Answer Guide
ZUMDAHL/DECOSTE, INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY 10E, 9798214115399;
CHAPTER 2: MEASUREMENTS AND CALCULATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.1 Scientific Notation .......................................................................................................... 2
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Problems........................................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Units ................................................................................................................................ 4
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Measurements of Length, Volume, and Mass .............................................................. 5
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Uncertainty in Measurement ........................................................................................ 6
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Significant Figures.......................................................................................................... 7
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Rounding Off Numbers ......................................................................................................... 7
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Determining Significant Figures in Calculations ............................................................... 8
Questions ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Problems........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.6 Problem Solving and Dimensional Analysis ............................................................... 10
Questions .................................................................................................................................... 10
Problems....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.7 Temperature Conversions ............................................................................................ 13
Questions .....................................................................................................................................13
Problems.......................................................................................................................................13
2.8 Density ........................................................................................................................... 15
Questions .....................................................................................................................................15
Problems.......................................................................................................................................15
Additional Problems.................................................................................................................. 18
ChemWork Problems ................................................................................................................ 24
© 2026 1
