Study Tips for Chemistry Transition Metals

Effective study habits are a necessity in chemistry

Knowledge of the transition metals is an important part of any course of study in chemistry. There are 30 transition metals (38 including synthetic elements), the individual names and properties of which can be overwhelming. But the determined student who applies a few simple study techniques will quickly memorize and come to understand these metals.

General Study Habits

Regular study habits apply to studying transition metals. Set aside a regular time every day for studying. Remain free from distractions during this time. Read all related study materials thoroughly and, if necessary, read them out loud while visualizing the meaning of the words. Get adequate rest and avoid trying to compensate for a lack of sleep with caffeine or other stimulants. When possible, join a study group composed of other serious individuals. Avoid last-minute cram sessions and memorization tricks whenever possible.

Actual Understanding of the Material

Observing regular, healthy studying habits will bring you an understanding of the material beyond what simple memorization will accomplish. Whenever possible, read and re-read all related material until you not only remember the details of your subject but you also understand them well enough to explain them to others. Once you have achieved this level of understanding, there is no need for further intensive study. A brief re-reading of the material before a test will suffice.

Mnemonic Devices

If you cannot achieve the ideal study habits, consider using a mnemonic device. Mnemonic devices are short, memorable poems or phrases in which each word begins with the first letter of something being memorized. For example, remember the first-row transition metals (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) by memorizing a phrase such as "Scott Tips Very Counterfeit Money, Feels Cold Near Cubic Zircons." The beginning of each of the words in this phrase corresponds to the atomic symbol for one of the transition metals.

Visualization

Some students are better able to retain visual information than verbal information. Visualizing an image, or memory stack, is helpful if you are more visually oriented. For this technique, imagine a scene containing objects that remind you of each metal. The image that corresponds to scandium, for example, might be a person who appears scandalous. The image for zinc might be a sink. The image for nickel may be a pickle. The entire scene you imagine would contain a scandalous person eating a pickle over a sink surrounded by other objects that rhyme with the other transition metals.

References

• How To Study
• Pat Moss: Dale Carnegie Memory Techniques
• Mnemonic Device: Chemistry