Chemistry for Dummies

Biographical Note:

John T. Moore, EdD, is regents professor of Chemistry at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he is also the director of the Teaching Excellence Center. He is the coauthor of Biochemistry For Dummies and Organic Chemistry II For Dummies.

• Grasp basic chemistry principles
• Discover chemical reactions and bonds
• Make sense of matter and energy

A matter-of-fact guide to chemistry

Now there's a fun, easy way to master the basics of chemistry. If you're confounded by compounds and want a little help making sense of what's being taught in your chemistry course, Chemistry For Dummies gets you rolling with all the basics of matter and energy, atoms and molecules, acids and bases, and much more!

Inside...

• Helpful tips for solving problems
• How to use the periodic table
• Guidance on using the mole method
• Calculations you need to know
• Thermochemistry basics

Introduction 1

Part 1: The Basic Concepts of Chemistry 7

Chapter 1: What Is Chemistry, and Why Do I Need to Know Some? 9

Chapter 2: Contemplating Chemical Calculations 21

Chapter 3: Matter and Energy 37

Chapter 4: Something Smaller Than an Atom? Atomic Structure 53

Chapter 5: The Periodic Table (But No Chairs) 75

Chapter 6: Balloons, Tires, and Scuba Tanks: The Wonderful World of Gases 87

Part 2: A Cornucopia of Chemical Concepts 107

Chapter 7: Chemical Cooking: Chemical Reactions 109

Chapter 8: The Mole: Can You Dig It? 125

Chapter 9: Mixing Matter Up: Solutions 137

Chapter 10: Thermochemistry: Hot Stuff 155

Chapter 11: Sour and Bitter: Acids and Bases 169

Part 3: Blessed Be the Bonds That Tie 187

Chapter 12: Where Did I Put That Electron? Quantum Theory 189

Chapter 13: Opposites Do Attract: Ionic Bonding 199

Chapter 14: Sharing Nicely: Covalent Bonding 215

Chapter 15: What Do Molecules Really Look Like? Molecular Geometry and Hybridization 235

Chapter 16: Tackling Periodic Trends 247

Chapter 17: Examining the Link between Intermolecular Forces and Condensed States 255

Part 4: Environmental Chemistry: Benefits and Problems 265

Chapter 18: Cough! Cough! Hack! Hack! Air Pollution 267

Chapter 19: Examining the Ins and Outs of Water Pollution 279

Chapter 20: Nuclear Chemistry: It'll Blow Your Mind 293

Part 5: The Part of Tens 313

Chapter 21: Ten Serendipitous Discoveries in Chemistry 315

Chapter 22: Ten (Or So) Great Chemistry Nerds 321

Chapter 23: Ten Terrific Tips for Passing Chem I 327

Chapter 24: The Top Ten Industrial Chemicals 333

Glossary 339

Index 351

See how chemistry works in everything from soaps to medicines to petroleum

We're all natural born chemists. Every time we cook, clean, take a shower, drive a car, use a solvent (such as nail polish remover), or perform any of the countless everyday activities that involve complex chemical reactions we're doing chemistry! So why do so many of us desperately resist learning chemistry when we're young?

Now there's a fun, easy way to learn basic chemistry. Whether you're studying chemistry in school and you're looking for a little help making sense of what's being taught in class, or you're just into learning new things, Chemistry For Dummies gets you rolling with all the basics of matter and energy, atoms and molecules, acids and bases, and much more!

• Tracks a typical chemistry course, giving you step-by-step lessons you can easily grasp
• Packed with basic chemistry principles and time-saving tips from chemistry professors
• Real-world examples provide everyday context for complicated topics

Full of modern, relevant examples and updated to mirror current teaching methods and classroom protocols, Chemistry For Dummies puts you on the fast-track to mastering the basics of chemistry.