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Steve and Susan Zumdahl's books focus on helping readers build critical thinking skills through the process of becoming independent problem-solvers. Their philosophy is to help readers learn to "think like a chemists" so they can apply the process of problem solving to all aspects of their lives. In CHEMISTRY: AN ATOMS FIRST APPROACH, 1e, International Edition, the Zumdahls use a meaningful approach that begins with the atom and proceeds through the concept of molecules, structure, and bonding, to more complex materials and their properties. This approach encourages readers to focus on conceptual learning early in the course, rather than relying on memorization and a "plug and chug" method of problem solving that even the best learners can fall back on when confronted with familiar material. The Atoms First organization provides an opportunity for readers to use the tools of critical thinkers: to ask questions, to apply rules and models and to evaluate outcomes.
List of contents
Review Chapter: Measurement and Calculations in Chemistry.
1. Chemical Foundations.
2. Atomic Structure and Periodicity.
3. Atoms to Molecules.
4. Bonding: General Concepts.
5. Molecular Structure and Orbitals.
6. Chemical Energy.
7. Gases.
8. Liquids and Solids.
9. Stoichiometry.
10. Types of Chemical Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry.
11. Properties of Solutions.
12. Chemical Kinetics.
13. Chemical Equilibrium.
14. Acids and Bases.
15. Acid-Base Equilibria.
16. Solubility and Complex Ion Equilibria.
17. Spontaneity, Entropy, and Free Energy.
18. Electrochemistry.
19. The Nucleus: A Chemist's View.20. The Representative Elements.
21. Transition Metals and coordination Chemistry.
22. Organic and Biological Molecules.
Appendix 1: SI Units and Conversion Factors.
Appendix 2: Mathematical Procedures.
Appendix 3: The Quantitative Kinetic Molecular Model.
Appendix 4: Spectral Analysis.
Appendix 5: Selected Thermodynamic Data.
Appendix 6: Equilibrium Constants and Reduction Potentials.
About the author
Steve Zumdahl is the author of market-leading textbooks in introductory chemistry, general chemistry, honors-level chemistry, and high school chemistry. Recently retired from his long-time position as Director of Undergraduate Programs at the University of Illinois, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to chemical education. These include the National Catalyst Award in recognition of his contribution to chemical education, the University of Illinois Teaching Award, the UIUC Liberal Arts and Sciences Advising Award, and the School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Award (five times). He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Wheaton College (IL), and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.Susan A. Zumdahl earned a B.S. and M.A. in Chemistry at California State University--Fullerton. She has taught science and mathematics at all levels, including middle school, high school, community college, and university. She is past director of the Merit Program for Emerging Scholars in Chemistry at the University of Illinois. In addition, she spearheaded the development of a sophisticated web-based electronic homework system for chemistry and is co-author on several chemistry textbooks.
Summary
Steve and Susan Zumdahl’s books focus on helping readers build critical thinking skills through the process of becoming independent problem-solvers. Their philosophy is to help readers learn to "think like a chemists" so they can apply the process of problem solving to all aspects of their lives. In CHEMISTRY: AN ATOMS FIRST APPROACH, 1e, International Edition, the Zumdahls use a meaningful approach that begins with the atom and proceeds through the concept of molecules, structure, and bonding, to more complex materials and their properties. This approach encourages readers to focus on conceptual learning early in the course, rather than relying on memorization and a "plug and chug" method of problem solving that even the best learners can fall back on when confronted with familiar material. The Atoms First organization provides an opportunity for readers to use the tools of critical thinkers: to ask questions, to apply rules and models and to evaluate outcomes.
