Which of the following steps is essential for performing dimensional analysis?

• A. Balance the chemical equation.
• B. Calculate the molar mass of the substance.
• C. Determine the chemical formula of the compound.
• D. Identify the units involved and set up conversion factors.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Dimensional analysis is a method used to convert one unit of measurement to another using conversion factors.
2. The first essential step in dimensional analysis is to clearly identify the units you are starting with and the units you need to convert to.
3. Next, set up conversion factors that relate the starting units to the desired units. A conversion factor is a ratio that expresses how many of one unit are equal to another unit.
4. Ensure that the conversion factors are set up so that the units you want to get rid of will cancel out, leaving you with the desired units.
5. Multiply the original measurement by the conversion factors, ensuring that all units except the desired units cancel out, resulting in the correct conversion.