Chemistry: Chemical Reaction - Lecture Outline

I own three general chemistry textbooks, and have studied from dozens. Out of the 13 (incl Zumdahl, Atkins, Cheng to name a few), I feel Kotz and Silberberg are the two best undergraduate level textbooks and reference books. Both are similar in their content, however their writing styles, organization and emphasis on topics differ significantly. As such, they have their own (and yet very different) niches which they cater for. Kotz gives an thorough review of most fields of chemistry, focussing mainly on wet-chemistry (aqueous reactions) and therefore superb for prepratory studies in analytical chemistry. Kotz also gives a thorough review of elementary mathematical principles is heavily used in chemistry, and is probably the most lucid in this field (stoichiometry and algebraic modelling...regression and such). Furthermore Kotz gives simplified, lucid explanations of chemical phenomena, backing it up with maths. I have not seen one formula here which isnt well accounted for. Kotz goes to severe lengths in explaining what each formula is representing with respect to variable relationships. The CD is a more concise overview of the basic principles covered within the book, it comes with excellant animations, with respect to both form and function. Unlike most "interactive CDs" this is a purely artistic rendition of "teaching chemistry through your computer". Kotz focusses mainly on giving students key problem solving skills and tries to stay away from what, normally is regarded "superfluous information". Both Silberberg and Kotz are two of the finest chemistry textbooks which give good grounding in basic principles, as well as their practical applications. This is excellant for individuals going into radiochemistry, analytical chemistry and also physical chemistry. The basics are all here and well presented. This, is on similar lines to Zumdahl however the authorship and organization is far superior to it. Kotz makes it a point to give a lot of information in as few words as possible, the concentration of information is great, however still coherent and understandable at the "I am new to chemistry" level.

This is the most comprehensive lecture book published. Considering this is a college level text, it is very easy to understand - easy enough for high school students. The authors ease their way, not jump around, into every topic. Also, all examples (including mathematical expressions and equations) are explained in easy, step-by-step format. This text includes one of the most interactive, if not the best, CD-Rom I've ever worked with. All topics are high-lighted per each section per chapter - and with plenty of videos, a deeper understanding of all materials covered is achieved. Along with the CD-Rom, an on-line access code is included. Homework, pre-tests and post-tests navigate and help you in your weakest areas. The biggest high-light of the on-line access is you can reach a Live tutor from the comfort of your own home - an ensured success! This text also comes in a split-volume version. I highly recommend purchasing this version (helps keep the backpack a little lighter). Last, but not least, I also recommend purchasing the Survival Guide corresponding to the text. It eases any confusion - if any. Overall, this is a spectacular book, which simplifies Chemistry and also makes it fun - ensuring success within your studies.

~For the first time I took the online class, chemistry, and we use this book as text book. It turns out that it is totally self-study. I have found this book is very well written and easy to follow. Basically I can understand everything after reading each chapter just once without any help from the instructor.The book comes with 2 CDs. I used it very rarely. I don't think they are that helpful or informative.You also can access this book companion site from the publisher website. It provides~~ two quizs per chapter. You can take it on-line. If you miss the question, it will tell you which part of text in the book you need to review/pay more attention. The quiz site is more useful than the CD.~

I never had interest in chemistry (and probably never will) but I found this book easier than most. By easier I do not mean that there is not much content, but the way of writing and the explainations are given in simple terms, making it better than most books. Many concepts which were greek to me were easily understood, and the excersises were designed to make a person think and apply knowledge. It is a good book, but then again, unless you're interested in chemistry this book won't magically pour knowledge of chemistry into your head. All this does is make you learn chem the way it should be learned, by understanding and applying knowledge. Among most of the chem books i've come across I'd rate this as one of the best.

This chemistry text was easy to understand and well written. The diagrams and pictures help with the understanding of the text. Throughout the text there are sample problems and solutions that help with the understanding of concepts.