Customer Reviews

Chemistry the Central Science, Laboratory Experiments (10th Edition)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Lab work has been a standard part of the study of chemistry since people have been studying chemistry. In fact, it was the practical experimentation that led to the learning that is written in the texts and taught in lectures. The experiments that chemistry students execute are not designed to discover presently unknown aspects of chemistry. It is essential that students be given clearly defined procedures that elucidate specific points that are related to the text they are studying in lecture. The purpose of lab work is to give the student a visceral connection to the material, to see in reality what they are reading about, and to develop their technique in working with precision, in detail, and in making correct and relevant observations.

This book provides 43 experiments that relate well to the 25 chapters of the main textbook. Each experiment lists clearly everything that will be needed for the experiment, discusses the point of the experiment and what is going to transpire during its execution, the exact procedure to be followed, the questions that need to be answered for the report (these are observations, calculations, deductions, equations, and so forth), pre-lab questions, and relevant diagrams. There are also appendices of useful information that will be needed during the experiments.

These experiments have been tested and tried and are geared to minimize the work of the instructor in refitting the lab when adopting the text and lab experiments. Since it is the 10th edition, I would expect that most things will work as expected. But in reality, one should always be prepared for the unexpected and work carefully around chemicals, flame, and other people.

A sound and interesting text and program of experiments.

I'm reviewing Chemistry since I haven't taken it since highschool and am taking a college course this fall. The book arrived quickly and in like new condition. There was a coffee mark on the front of the book but was easily wiped away. Other than that, the book was in great condition, and an easy read. Very thorough and walked me through a good review of the basics of chemistry.

It arrived in a timely fashion despite a problem USPS (the book was returned to sender, but sender reshipped for free). Upon using it in lab, I realized I was supposed to have gotten the 11th edition, and I had gotten confused because I needed the 10th edition of my lecture book. In any case, all of the pages were there, and there are only minor differences between he 10th and 11th edition (some slightly altered questions, corrected typos,etc.), so this ended up working well for me.

I purchased the companion lab manual for the text Chemistry the Central Science. The book came packaged well, was delivered in a short time and was in good condition. I was very happy with the transaction--and the price was right.

The lab manual was in excellent condition, but the shipping was terrible. Ordered it on Aug. 17. It was shipped on the 25 and I received it on the 29. That's two weeks!! Someone should have shipped this manual with UPS or FedEx because they have tracking number.

The lab book I received was not in the condition promised. It was missing pages and worthless. I sent it back and got a refund quickly but had to eat all the shipping costs which came out to be more than the price of the book.

Purchasing this product not directly through Amazon was a mistake. The product came in a week+ later than expected, and when we found it to be the wrong product (our mistake) we contacted them for return information. It was returned within two days of receipt for refund, but to date (4 weeks later) they state they haven't received the return. As we are nearing the 30 day return policy, we may be out of the purchase price (unfortunately we didn't get a tracking number). As this was a bad experience, one not normally had by Amazon.com, I would be very leary of using this company again or through Amazon in this manner. It's unfortunate, but losing almost $100.00 hurts. Maybe they'll find the book in 2 days and honor the warrantee, I'm hoping.