Introduction to Chemical Principles

For one-semester courses in Introductory/ Preparatory Chemistry. Written for students who have had little or no previous instruction in chemistry, or for those who need a thorough review, this interesting and informative text gives readers the background (and confidence) needed for subsequent success in a college-level general chemistry course. Honing selected portions for greater clarity in presentation, Stoker's book foregoes the multi-topic, "watered down" version of its counterparts by zeroing in on a smaller number of select topics, treating them extensively, and helping students understand them in greater depth.* NEW - 17 vignettes on "The Human Side of Chemistry" - Brief biographies of scientists who helped develop the foundations of modern chemistry. * Enables students to connect with the "people aspect" of chemistry, and understand how the significant contributions of certain individuals helped make chemistry the exciting and central science it is today. * NEW - A "Chemical Extension" application - Adds perspective to worked-out examples that center on specific compounds. Focuses on the chemical compound itself - its relationship to the environment, its relationship to living systems (biochemistry), etc. * Helps students become aware of the compounds "realness", and not lose themselves in the mathematics of problem-solving. * NEW - Extensively expanded marginal note materials - Provides additional details, links between concepts, or historical information about the concepts under discussion. * Summarizes key concepts and gives students tips for remembering concepts or distinguishing between similar concepts. * Value-priced two-color paperback. * Students get a solid chemistry book for one-third less than most competitors. * A focus on fewer topics - with a more extensive treatment. * Not just watered-down general chemistry. Ensures that students gain a solid grasp of essential, fundamental material. * Begins at the beginning - Begins the development of each topic at "ground level" and continues step-by-step until the level of sophistication required for a further chemistry course is attained. * Students require no prior knowledge of the topic but truly prepares students for their subsequent general chemistry course. * An emphasis on problem-solving throughout - Uses dimensional analysis in problem-solving whenever possible. * Equips students with a powerful and widely applicable tool that requires no mathematics beyond arithmetic and elementary algebra. * A stress on significant figure concepts in all problem-solving situations - Provides two answers to the example: the calculator example (which does not take into account significant digits), and, in color, the correct answer (which is the calculator answer adjusted to the correct number of significant figures). * Emphasizes the importance of precise use of significant figures. * Over 5,000 questions and problems - Counting problem subparts. * Provides students with more opportunities to become proficient at problem-solving than any other text on the market. * Numerous worked-out examples - With detailed commentary. * Students are shown the proper way to mentally dissect and solve a problem. * Two independent, but similar, problem sets - At the end of each chapter; one with answers, one without. Divides chapter-end problem sets into three sections: Practice Problems - single-concept, routine drill problems categorized by topic and arranged in the same sequence as chapter coverage; Additional Problems - more difficult problems that involve more than one concept; Cumulative Skills Section - draws on material covered up to that point, and allows students to practice problem-solving techniques presented earlier. * Provides instructors and students with a variety of problems for both self-study and homework.

Table of Contents:
*The Science of Chemistry*Numbers from Measurements*Unit Systems and Dimensional Analysis*Basic Concepts about Matter*Atoms, Molecules, Formulas, and Subatomic Particles*Electronic Structures and Chemical Periodicity*Chemical Bonds*Chemical Nomenclature*Chemical Calculations: The Mole Concept and Chemical Formulas*Chemical Calculations Involving Chemical Equations*States of Matter*Gas Laws*Solutions*Acids, Bases, and Salts*Oxidation and Reduction*Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium*Nuclear Chemistry*Appendix A. Mathematical Review*Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems*Index.