Units and Dimensions

To read and understand the principles discussed in this chapter
is relatively easy; to apply them to different unfamiliar situations. An engineer
becomes competent in his or her profession by masteringthe techniques developed by
one s predecessors-thereafter comes the time to pioneer new ones.

The chapter begins with a discussion of units, dimensions, and conversion factors, and
then goes on to review some terms you should already be acquainted with, such as:
(a) Mole and mole fraction
(b) Density and specific gravity
(c) Measures of concentration
(d) Temperature
(e) Pressure
It then provides some clues on "how to solve problems," which should be of
material aid in all the remaining portions of your career. Finally, the principles of
stoichiometry are reviewed , and the technique of handling incomplete reactions is
illustrated.
Somehow , the answers or the calculations do not
come out as expected. Often this outcome arises because of inexperience in the
handling of units.The use of units or dimensions along with the numbers in your
calculations requires more attention than you probably have been giving to your
computations in the past, but paying attention will help avoid such annoying
experiences.