Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Education and Careers => Topic started by: BioDidact on October 29, 2012, 02:56:49 PM

Title: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: BioDidact on October 29, 2012, 02:56:49 PM: Greetings,

What is the standard go-to text used as an introduction to chemistry? I am looking for something that goes into substantial detail and at least touches upon the many specialties within chemistry. I have not found as much overwhelming favoritism as I have seen in Biology (Cambell), Physics (Young/Freedman), or Calculus (Spivak).

I have found some nice recommendations for specific studies (Books on Biochem, Molecular Bio, Organic, ect) but what I need is general. Thank you for your *delete me*
Title: Re: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: eazye1334 on October 29, 2012, 03:21:26 PM: Chemical Principles by Zumdahl is the one I used for my intro courses, but I don't know how much of a "favorite" it is.
Title: Re: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: juanrga on October 29, 2012, 04:02:01 PM: Quote from: BioDidact on October 29, 2012, 02:56:49 PM
Greetings,

What is the standard go-to text used as an introduction to chemistry? I am looking for something that goes into substantial detail and at least touches upon the many specialties within chemistry.

I would recommend Chemistry: The Central Science

http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Central-Science-11th-Edition/dp/0136006175
Title: Re: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: Jorriss on October 29, 2012, 06:38:13 PM: Quote from: BioDidact on October 29, 2012, 02:56:49 PM
Greetings,

What is the standard go-to text used as an introduction to chemistry? I am looking for something that goes into substantial detail and at least touches upon the many specialties within chemistry. I have not found as much overwhelming favoritism as I have seen in Biology (Cambell), Physics (Young/Freedman), or Calculus (Spivak).

I have found some nice recommendations for specific studies (Books on Biochem, Molecular Bio, Organic, ect) but what I need is general. Thank you for your *delete me*
Oxtoby is very detailed on physical chemistry.
Title: Re: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: (He)nry on October 30, 2012, 04:40:59 PM: I enjoyed having two books at once while studying introduction:

Chemistry (Concepts and Problems) by Houk & Post - For it's simple and straight forward description. Although it is not extremely detailed, It made it very easy to grasp concepts. When I understood the concept completely, I would move to my next book to learn more about it.
It's very affordable and a powerful tool to have in your "arsenal".

Principles of Modern Chemistry by Oxtoby - I referred to this book when I felt ready to grasp more knowledge on a concept. It's very well organized and easy to read, in my opinion.

Then there is General Chemistry by Linus Pauling, which is a magnificent book to have. I got mine for $6.
Title: Re: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: Sophia7X on October 30, 2012, 07:03:23 PM: I love General Chemistry by Pauling! It's such a great text for under $10. Also, the stereo 3D images are really cool haha. That book is very well-written and Pauling writes in a way in which you can understand.

However, there are no answers to the exercises. If you want a book with good practice problems, chemistry by Zumdahl is nice. the Quest for Insight by Atkins is excellent content wise, but may be confusing at times.
Title: Re: Recommendation for detailed intro to Chem text
Post by: Dan on October 30, 2012, 07:15:44 PM: We have sticky threads for textbook recommendations in most of the subforums. Please post there.