Customer Reviews

Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity (with General ChemistryNOW CD-ROM)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

First of all the person I bought this from was awesome. They got it to me in 3 days.

Next, it was as good of condition as you could get for it being used. As for the book itself, I would recommend it over the 7th edition because it is way cheaper. And they basically have all of the same content. There is only a few differences in ordering of things. Besides that why would you pay more?

I am taking first year inorganic chemistry, not because it is needed for any program, but because I enjoy the subject. Also, I have not seen the other chem texts for comparison. Having said that, I found this book extremely well written, and well coordinated with the solutions manual. It is dense, so you can't afford to miss a single sentence. I often wished the solutions manual could go into more detail when I needed remedial assistance.

the international paperback version of this book is exactly the same as the hardback version and it's considerably less expensive. it comes with the CD-ROM but does NOT provide OWL or online access codes to the web based program- but you can purchase those separately at the thomas learning website... and you'd still be saving money.

as for the book, I've only been using it 3 weeks but I like it so far. (much better than chemistry: structure and dynamics which I used last term- blah!). while not for complete beginners the explanations and sample problems are well written and there are lots of homework questions to make sure you really understand the material. (odd answers are in the back of the book). the real selling point for me is that all the pictures are in color (very helpful if you're a visual learner).

To tell you frankly I am very poor in Chemistry. This book has been a great help in understanding facts. The book is wonderfully illustrated with examples and sample problems. This is a better or easier reading book than say Brady Senese (which is also a very good book btw)

Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity: 6th Edition is by far the best introductory chemistry textbook out there. I have the pleasure of using this text in my AP Chemistry class, and I'm yet to be disappointed once. Every page of every chapter is well written, explained with a good amount of detail, and filled with charts and graphs which further the reader's understanding of the topics. I've gotten so used to this book that when I open up other chemistry books, I'm almost disgusted at how poorly written they are.

Sure, at a cost of $160, its not exactly cheap. I believe that this is a small price to pay for the contents of this book. Even though I got a free copy to use for the year, I plan on buying a copy and taking this to school with me next year.

Strongly recommended for anybody interested in Chemistry.

When I ordered this book for an online course, I was sure something would be wrong with it. It was SO inexpensive compared to the used bookstores at my university 5 years ago. I was surprised when it arrived (quickly!) and was in perfect/new condition! It was even packaged in an eco-friendly cardboard-only box, which I appreciate. The only downside is that it doesn't make chemistry seem any easier . . .

This book was extremely cheap and in fairly good condition. It arrived in the condition described by the seller. I received the book very quickly. I was extremely satisfied.

The cover is more worn than I thought, and the pages have much more highlighting than I expected. I hope the highlighting works to my advantage, but I am not sure that it will...