Wiley Preview of General Chemistry

The basic skills necessary for general chemistry courses are provided in this book. The text concentrates on problem-solving methods, including use of a calculator. It begins with an introductory chapter on atoms and isotopes - the material is easy to follow, and mastery of it inspires confidence. The second chapter discusses atomic weight, showing how to use a weighted average and calling many mathematical techniques into play, such as fractions, percents, and decimals. Following chapters address balancing equations, and elements, compounds, and mixtures. Topics covered also include scientific notation, significant figures, unit conversions, oxidation numbers, redox equations, logarithms, and pH. Among the examples and problems are applications in stoichiometry, gases, atomic structure, and chemical bonding. From the Author Read this book if you plan on taking general chemistry. The text was designed to help you learn the basic material that you should know in order to succeed in a general chemistry course. It is a somewhat non-traditional book, in that it starts with atoms, not units, as do most books. The author teaches in an urban community college and wrote the book for students who have difficulty with math and science. The hundreds of students who have used the book say it is terrific and want me to write a full general chemistry text with the same approach. Strangely, good students who are taking general chemistry have also used the book. They say that first they read "PREVIEW" and then they can understand their general chemistry textbook. PREVIEW covers units, the metric system, balancing equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, orbitals, chemical bonding, REDOX, and logarithms. When appropriate, you are taught how to use your scientific calculator to help you solve problems. If you like the book, let me know: Harvey F. Carroll, Department of Physical Sciences, Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Blvd., Brooklyn, NY 11235. I promise to answer your letter.