Do you think that there is a high correlation between proficiency in mathematics and proficiency in chemistry? Explain why or why not.

1 Answer
Dec 14, 2017

Yes there is a high correlation between proficiency in mathematics and proficiency in chemistry but not a one to one correspondence.

Explanation:

There are many areas of chemistry that are dependent on ability to do math and think clearly about mathematical principles. Areas such as pH, reaction rates, Gibbs free energy equations, Ksp, require proficiency in mathematical principles. Students who are not proficient in mathematics will have difficulty with these areas.

Other areas of chemistry do not depend on mathematics. It is important to be able to think inductively in chemistry, The ability to think like an electron is vital in chemistry and does not depend on proficiency in mathematics.

As a curriculum contributor at the high school level it was suggested that students start by taking chemistry before biology, if their math proficiency was sufficient. Biology does not require much mathematics but modern chemistry is dependent on chemistry, biochemistry,