Chemistry For Dummies by John T. Moore
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Book Reviews of Chemistry For Dummies
Book Review: A few things you should know about 'Chemistry for Dummies'
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is divided into five sections, although they don't need to read in order.
Part One explores the fundamentals of chemistry, starting with the extreme basics (the difference between solids, liquids and gases), and moving on to the periodic table, valence electrons and radioactivity.
The section on nuclear chemistry was particularly detailed, and (with the recent disastrous events in Japan) made a very handy introduction to the science behind nuclear power plants.
Part Two focuses on how elements bond together, exploring the difference between ionic and covalent bonds, before moving on to electrochemistry. Part Three looks at the Mole and Avogadro's number, essential scientific concepts.
Part Four leaves the world of theory to take a look at applied chemistry, from polymers to pollution. And Part Five is just an assortment of lists, e.g. "ten great chemistry nerds" etc.
I recommend 'Chemistry for Dummies' as a solid introductory textbook, but would also recommend supplementing it with other sources, such as the Khan Academy videos (available for free on YouTube).
You may also enjoy Time Struggle 1: The Wolves of Odin (Volume 1).
Book Review: Very helpful for the chemistry-challenged nursing student
Summary: 4 Stars
I am a nursing student, and I wish I had purchased this book earlier in the semester, instead of waiting for it to become available at the public library. After reading, what I am studying makes so much more sense. Chemistry is less of a black hole now. I like the quirky way it's written. The author does a good job of making the information feel a lot more friendly. My chemistry textbook this term does a fairly good job of explaining things, but I was still lost. Chemistry for Dummies was the 'lightbulb' I needed to make everything clearer. I am algebra-challenged and this book was quite a helpful adjunct to the class. As an aside, it's true... you will almost never need this much chemistry unless you are a chemistry major. And this is just the baby stuff! I have queried nurses and they tell me they simply don't use it. Very frustrating, and a huge mental stumbling block for me, especially since schools in my area which are geared toward two year RN degrees don't require Biology I & II, which is far more applicable to nursing than chemistry.
Now I just have to figure out a good book to help me muddle through the next level of chemistry (required for a master's degree). .. General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis. Gack!!!!
Book Review: No Dummy would ever take Chemistry
Summary: 4 Stars
One thing I always enjoyed about the "for Dummies" series is the sense of humor and real realism in them. This book does an OK job, and is written by a Professor who understands what students struggle with and tries to make it as simple as possible. But Chemistry is a very complex and vast subject, no one book could contain every aspect of it. This book should be seen as a review or a brush up on chemistry, it by no means covers all the topics you will take in a Inorganic Chemistry class, especially the farther you go into the semester. The fact is most people who will be using this book are those students entering into Inorganic Chemistry, or General Chemistry. I do feel he could devote a few of the chapters to topics that will discussed in most Inorganic chemistry textbooks instead of such things as Organic Chemistry, which is a subject unto itself, air pollution, water pollution, and chemistry in the home for example. All relevant topics, but not really going to help you get a passing grade on a test. This is a supplement to your textbook that I feel is well worth spending a few bucks on and using it to your advantage.Book Review: Pretty good
Summary: 4 Stars
This book does a good job of explaining basic chemical principles and application. While it might helpful to those who have weak background in chemistry and math yet are required to college-level chemistry courses, it was not written to be a textbook or study guide. Do not blame the book for what it does not intend to do. Many students today in this country cannot handle simple algebra that 7th grade students in many other countries have no difficuties with. Any books written above 8th grade reading level are difficult for even many college students to understand. It is unfair for them to blame this book for their failure in studying chemistry. It takes a lot more than a good book to be successful in any classes. This book, nor any others, is not a replacement of your positive attitude and hard work. Overall, this book is well written and easily understood.Book Review: Read before you take chemistry 101.
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this book as a supplement to my Chemistry 101 textbook. I was really looking for a more complete explanation of electron configuration, which I didn't find this book to be that helpful with. Overall, I thought this book helped to reinforce some of the basic concepts, but didn't really have much of an impact on my grade. I would recommend this book to someone who wants an overview of chemistry before taking the course or to someone who needs to brush up on basic chemistry before taking a more advanced course. It can also be helpful if you're having trouble with a particular topic. I did enjoy the supplemental information in the book having to do with chemistry of everyday life.