Customer Reviews

General Chemistry (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)

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

 

 

This is a traditional freshman chemistry text widely used especially in the southern states. Its explanations of chemical concepts are generally clear. The writing style might be too formal for many today's college students. The book contains plenty of worked-out examples to illustrate porblem-solving skills and ample end-of-chapter exercises. Problem-solving tips and margin notes on common mistakes, though ignored by many students, are generally very helpful.

Chapter 8 on molecular geometry is much more detailed than most other textbooks of similar level. A good flow chart is provided at the beginning of the chapter. However, some example problems are needed to show students how to identify geometry and shape of a specific molecule. Thermodynamics is introduced in a single chapter in the second half of the book. The sections on entropy and Gibb's free energy is somewhat too brief. A better introdction of energy and heat is needed in chapter one.

Generally speaking, the text contains a great amount of information, maybe too much for students who are poorly prepared for college level chemistry. The authors should also strive to show students how different topics covered in the text are related to each other.

Another good traditional general chemistry text is the one by Brown, LeMay, and Bursten. The one by Oxtoby, Freeman, and Block is a very accurate text. An exciting new text by Moore, Stanitski, and Jurs is clearly written and has many new features that promote students's active learning. In my opinion, it might be a better text for the new generation of college students.

Some cheap resources for struggling students include: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chemistry, Survival Guide for General Chemistry, and Chemistry for Dummies.

I used this textbook while taking AP chem in high school. I found myself relying heavily on the book and less so on the teacher's lectures. I must say that I think it's one of the best general chemistry books (I've read others) in terms of organization, practice problems, and explanations. I think it prepared me very well for the AP test and gave me a solid foundation in chemistry. I'd recommend it for anyone trying to learn chemistry by themselves too; it is very user-friendly and to the point. If you are going to read a textbook intently, this is a good choice. If you just want to be sprinkled with magic "chemistry knowledge", I'm not sure that there exists a text for you :)

This text is great! I hardly ever went to class and rarely paid attention, but I read all the corresponding chapters and they are SO CLEAR that you understand everything perfectly. I made the HIGHEST GRADE in my chemistry 102 class and set the curve in lab, all thanks to this book and it's crystal clear explanations. The examples in the text are super helplful. Also, you should buy the companion solutions manual and study guide, they are helpful as well.

I used this textbook to teach General Chemistry 1 several years ago, and, as I recall, the chapter material and examples in the book are clear and well-organized and explained. I was amused rather than enlightened by the CD-ROM and I didn't make much use of it. The study guide likewise did nothing for me, although this might not be the case for the first-time learner. Personally, I found it superfluous. I also had little need of the Instructor's Manual. Basically, just reading the material over again and working the problems at chapter end was sufficient refresher for me, and it had been ten years since I last cracked a chemistry book at the time. The only flaw I found in the text was the occasional mistake in solutions for certain end-of-chapter problems. At times, I had to rely on my own problem-solving and math skills to second guess the solutions. This only occurred rarely, though. The only extra advice I can add for students based on my own teaching experience is "know your math." Some students had trouble following along in the text, but this was almost invariably because the person's math skills and preparation were not adequate to the task. I repeatedly urged my students to visit the math lab and do outside practice with basic algebra. If you know algebra, you can get through and understand the material in this textbook. An open mind and good math background will help you, but this textbook will help you further still.

If it were not for all of the pretty pictures in this book, I might be inclined to give this book one star. As it stands, 2 stars is more than this abysmal tome deserves anyway. This is the most confusing textbook I have ever owned. The entire book is smothered in pointless and overdone charts, graphs, and tables, the language is probably better suited for a third or fourth year chemistry student (for the most part), and half of the chapters appear to be out of order. For chapters towards the end of the text, answers in the back of the book are cut short (maybe to save space?). Sometimes the authors of the book ramble on as if conversing with a PhD friend of theirs, apparently forgetting that some students reading this text are seeing this material for the first time, and need a very concise explanation for some of the concepts. Quite a few of the sample problems in the book assume complete mastery of previous chapters, often offering no clue or rationale for steps that are used to solve the problem. This has been by far the most frustrating experience I have had with any textbook. I would avoid it, if possible. If you're a professor looking for a good text that clearly explains general chemistry to your students in a non-threatening manner, well - look elswhere. This one is hurtful. Stay away.

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It s boring - no shipment untill now!