Whilethere are many comprehensive chemistry textbooks available, it is important to note that different schools may cover different topics in their 12th grade curriculum. It is best to check with your teacher or school to ensure that the book you choose covers all the necessary topics.
It is generally recommended to use the most recent edition of a textbook as it may have updated information and resources. However, if your school is using an older edition and you are unable to purchase a newer one, it is still possible to use the older edition.
Using a college-level chemistry textbook for 12th grade may be too advanced for some students and may cover topics that are not included in the high school curriculum. It is best to stick with a textbook specifically designed for 12th grade chemistry.
I am looking for a textbook for someone(me) who has done no chemistry, but isn't too basic as it progresses. What are some of the better textbooks for starting to learn chemistry? I don't know any specific fields, so I would like to get some exposure to a number of different topics. I am a third year Mathematics student, so I am not worried about it being too concise, I am willing to reread areas one hundred times if need be.
One note: I am not interested in doing experimentation at all, and would just like to learn theory, as I have (sometimes) embarrassingly bad knowledge of the field as I didn't take chemistry in highschool(which I greatly regret).
Silberberg or Zumdahl Chemistry are great introductory reference books in my opinion. They cover the topics in just the right amount of depth and explain concepts extremely well, I highly recommend it.
I would also suggest Clayden et al.'s Organic Chemistry - it's a great textbook for organic chemistry though a bit intimidating at first- you should probably go through the organic chemistry section of Silberberg or Zumdahl first (nomenclature, functional groups and naming) before they use this.
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Huheey yet. This text has less emphasis on descriptive chemistry but explains the underlying concepts extremely well. As an undergraduate reading it (it wasn't an assigned text) was quite an enlightenment.
The standard "from zero" intro Chem book where I teach would be Hein/Arena's Foundations of College Chemistry. It covers the material just broadly enough, going over the basic beats for everything from gas laws to ochem. The math level is arithmetic/basic algebra.
The most thorough Algebra-based text I found has been McQuarrie's General Chemistry. It has loads of exercises and they purposely don't change editions very often so as to keep the book cheap. The concepts are presented and built on in a way that makes sense, and since it's written by a pchem guy it doesn't skimp on the rigor.
There are two standard Calculus-based Chem texts: Oxtoby's "Principles of Modern Chemistry" and Atkins' "Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight." Both of these are written by physical chemists and will serve you well as future reference books (they are rather encyclopedic) if you're comfortable with a physical chemistry focus. I've also seen Siska's University Chemistry get good reviews. It's slimmer so there's a lot more required of you in terms of what you need to figure out vs what is explicitly explained.
Core student textbooks are available to preview, via appointment, at the District Office, 4210 Technology Dr., Fremont, CA 94538, in Room 260. Please call
510 659-2570 to schedule an appointment. You may find a list of the books by clicking on the blue links below for the list of the core textbooks by grade level. These lists include publisher names, telephone numbers, and ISBN numbers of the textbooks. The District Office does not loan, sell, or order textbooks for the public. Also below are literature lists for all grade levels; this includes core book lists as well as extended/supplemental lists.
Discovering Design with Chemistry is a high school chemistry course designed for students who have completed Algebra I. This independent-study, college-preparatory course covers fundamental aspects of chemistry such as the classification of matter, atomic structure, spectroscopy, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, physical change, chemical change, stoichiometry, solutions, ideal gases, acid/base chemistry, reduction/oxidation reactions, thermochemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium. Weaving together concepts and their mathematical applications, the course teaches students how to think as a chemist so they can analyze the major changes that occur in matter.
Throughout the course, the student is shown how chemistry reveals the amazing design that exists all around us. From the details of atomic structure to the makeup of the very air that we breathe, chemistry shows us the marvelous handiwork of God.
This is a very well thought out and laid out book. Dr. Wile explains chemistry so that it actually makes sense. The problems directly relate to the chapter and reinforce what you are learning. His videos are also extremely helpful and make understanding chemistry so much easier. I also loved the audio book narrated by his wife. Overall I am so thankful for this set and have decided to use his books for all of my science needs.
Our family was very pleased with this Chemistry textbook. Dr. Wile makes the hardest subjects understandable. My daughter completed the whole course independently and rarely needed additional explanation. As a homeschool Mom, I know that means the course is very well written plus it is very thorough. I know my daughter will be better prepared for college after this course. I also love that most of the labs use items that can be found easily.
"...if you are looking for a chemistry course that will prepare your student to upper level studies I believe that this book will be perfect for your child. It will challenge him/her to the point of being completely prepare for the future if he/she wish to go into science. I have no doubt that the quality of the text and the experiments included in this book will be preparing your child more than any other books out there. Without hesitation I recommend Discovering Design with Chemistry for any high school student. This course will indeed prepare them for college/university!"
"This is just a quick note to let you know that we are LOVING Discovering Design with Chemistry. I mean, really love it!...We are truly loving this curriculum and as a family, we feel so blessed to have found this."
The way in which this book is written makes it very easy for the students to understand and learn the material. It is more conversational rather than just dry facts and equations that can sometimes be challenging to digest mentally. The author of this book is gifted with a teaching style that makes his books easy to follow and comprehend.
First-year students may be placed into a chemistry course by their home department prior to arriving at Michigan Tech, but this can be adjusted during orientation or within the first few weeks of class.
Students who have difficulty with introductory chemistry courses generally have weak math skills or have not taken chemistry for several years. The guidelines below can help you choose your first chemistry course. When selecting your course, consider the grades you earned in your last semester of high school chemistry and algebra, and the number of years since you last studied chemistry.
We recommend that first-year students purchase their chemistry textbook(s) from the Campus Bookstore. We require a special package containing notes and an online code that you will not receive if you purchase your books through another source.
We're dedicated to helping you succeed in chemistry. Browse our frequently asked questions for answers to questions that you may have. The Chemistry Learning Center (CLC) is a valuable resource that we encourage you to explore. Students who participate in the CLC typically earn one-half to one full grade higher than students who don't. Contact us to learn more about the CLC and other chemistry advising resources available to first-year students:
Students who took the chemistry advanced placement test in high school can earn credits prior to coming to Michigan Tech. If you did not take the AP test but are interested in earning credits, refer to the CLEP exam information on our Admissions website.
This collection of frequently asked questions is designed to assist first-year students in selecting an appropriate chemistry course. If you need additional assistance, please contact us, and we'll be happy to help:
Research by the Department of Chemistry at Michigan Tech and other universities indicates a strong correlation between a weak background in mathematics and failure to complete first-year chemistry with satisfactory grades.
A good understanding of basic math and advanced algebra along with word-problem-solving skills are required to succeed in Tech's college-level chemistry courses and laboratories: CH1150 General Chemistry and CH1151 University Chemistry 1 (lecture and lab). Specifically, you should have mastery in working with the following:
Logarithms, Exponential Equations, Quadratic Equations, Radicals, Straight Lines, Fractional Equations, Evaluating Expressions, Linear Inequalities, Linear Equations, Scientific Notation, Metric Conversions, Exponents, Ratio and Proportion, Decimals and Fractions
When there is any question about a student's math preparation, the student is encouraged to complete a math course (either MA1030 or MA1032) and Preparatory Chemistry (CH1000) before beginning college-level chemistry.
If you did not take chemistry in high school, if you have a weak background in chemistry, or if three or more years have passed since you have taken high school chemistry, you should enroll in CH1000 Preparatory Chemistry. CH1000 is offered during Fall Semester or Track B of the Summer Session only. CH1000 is not offered during Spring Semester.
The credits will automatically be recorded on your transcript. If the student had already registered for a chemistry class during web registration, when the Advanced Placement credits are received, the chemistry class will automatically be dropped from their schedule.
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