Chemical Principles (6th edition)

Book Preface

Chemical Principles

The central theme of this text is to challenge students to think and question while providing a sound foundation in the principles of chemistry. At the same time, students of all levels benefit from assistance in learning how to think, pose questions, and approach problems. We show students how to build models, refine them systematically in the light of experimental input, and express them quantitatively. To that end, Chemical Principles is organized in a logical way that builds understanding and offers students a wide array of pedagogical support.

The Overall Organization

Chemical Principles presents the concepts of chemistry in a logical sequence that enhances student understanding. The atoms-first sequence starts with the behavior of atoms and molecules and builds to more complex properties and interactions.

New in this edition: The introduction to quantum theory and atomic structure has been split into two chapters, the first explaining the origins of quantum theory and the second its application to the electronic structure of atoms. The aim has been to provide a less daunting introduction to these important topics without a reduction in rigor.

With the concept of atoms established, we present a sequence in which we discuss bonds, molecules, and then bulk matter, starting with gases and concluding with solids.

Next, having introduced bulk matter, we turn to its description in terms of thermodynamics. The sequence here is first thermochemistry, then entropy and free energy. Our eyes are on the thermodynamic description of equilibrium, which follows naturally from the discussion of how the Gibbs free energy depends on composition.

Once we know where we are going—toward equilibrium— it is natural to ask how fast we can get there; this is the domain of chemical kinetics and the insight it gives into how reactions occur.

Finally, we introduce a selection of topics from inorganic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry, emphasizing throughout the chemical principles that underlie observable properties.