Chemistry for Changing Times, 10th Edition (Hardcover)

~ John W. Hill (Author), Doris K. Kolb (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This popular book, now in its 10th edition, is a useful and interesting read for the layperson, as it is colorful, conversational in tone, and easily understandable. Knowledge of chemistry leads to better understanding about the hazards and benefits of this world, enabling better personal decision-making. This comprehensive yet simply written book covers the gamut of chemistry topics, including: drugs, biocides, food additives, fertilizers, fuels, detergents, cosmetics, plastics, toxic wastes, polluted air and water, and dwindling petroleum reserves. By introducing current and timely topics, this book enables the reader to relate chemistry to themselves. For anyone interested in learning about chemistry and its effect upon our everyday lives.

From the Publisher

This best-selling text for liberal arts chemistry through six editions continues to feature unparalled writing and excellent applications. An active member of the chemical education community, Doris Kolb brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective as co-author to this market- defining text. Colorful and appealing, the Seventh Edition updates applications, streamlines the overall organization, and adds exciting new resources through unique collaborations with the New York Times and ABC News. Most importantly, the seventh edition builds upon a rich tradition of responding to changing student profiles and modern teaching strategies. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 752 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 10th edition (July 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131402463
• ISBN-13: 978-0131402461
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #515,814 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best of the liberal arts texts, June 29, 2000

By	Craig MACKINNON (Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Chemistry for Changing Times (Hardcover)

There are two people that would be interested in this book - those that are enrolled in a liberal arts chemistry course, and those that are just interested in learning about chemistry. This book suits either type of person admirably.

While setting up a liberal arts course in chemistry (i.e., Chemistry for Non-science Majors), we previewed a number of possible texts. This one, in my mind, stood above all the others that I looked at. There are a number of reasons why:

1. The scope - this book covers a vast number of topics, from basic structure of the atom to environmental chemistry to toxins and drugs to combustion and energy. We are designing a survey course, and this spread is ideal. Other texts tended to focus too much, especially on environmental issues (e.g., the ACS's Chemistry in Context).

2. Descriptive, non-mathmatical. Since this course has no prerequisites, not even grade 10 math, we needed a book that minimised mathematics. Other books, such as Kelter/Carr/Scott's Chemistry: World of Choices, was too mathematical for this type of course.

3. The pictures - this book simply looks good.

Thus, if you're looking for a text for a liberal arts chemistry course, or if you just want to know more about chemistry and are not mathematically inclined, I would recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Can't Communicate Basic Ideas, September 28, 2008

By	Thomas Rankin "RolandTheThompsonGunner" (Jersey Represent) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Chemistry for Changing Times, 11th Edition (Hardcover)

As a student using this text book right now, I have to say that I am completely frustrated with it. I'm an English major and am stuck with this class so I can graduate on time, so already I am not apt towards the material. What I can say that is complementary about this book is that is written quite nicely. Literally, the language is very good for a text book. Here's the downfall to that, I have no idea what the hell any of it is talking about. Pretty language aside, this book was clearly written by masters of their field, but there is no doubt in my mind that if they were college professors, they'd be the type that are clearly brainy and intelligent, but have no way of "dumbing it down" so to speak. This book is NOT suggested for beginners. Don't even bother.

4.0 out of 5 stars Just OK, September 6, 2009

By	Odin Thor "Halo14" (Indy, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chemistry for Changing Times, 11th Edition (Hardcover)

A textbook is a textbook is a textbook. Some of the questions throw me for a loop because there is no explanation on how to resolve the answer. Whatev. It's required reading. Deal with it.