Identifying the problem type is crucial, as you did with recognizing it as an acid/base equilibrium problem, a known weak area for you. Once identified, reviewing fundamental concepts and relevant equations, as you did with Atkins 7th edition, can be beneficial. For such complex problems, breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps is helpful. This involves identifying what is given, what needs to be found, and what intermediate steps are required to get there.
Additionally, practicing similar problems from past exams or supplementary resources can help in recognizing patterns and honing problem-solving skills. Regarding whether such lengthy problems are a trend or an exception in competitions like USNCO, it varies. While some exams may have more straightforward questions, others may include more intricate problems to challenge participants' understanding and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, being prepared for both types of questions is key to performing well in competitive exams.
