Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity 9th edition

Book Preface

The first edition of this book was conceived over 30 years ago. Since that time there have been eight editions, and over 1 million students worldwide have used the book to begin their study of chemistry. Over the years, and the many editions, our goals have remained the same: to provide a broad overview of the principles of chemistry, the reactivity of the chemical elements and their compounds, and the applications of chemistry. To reach these goals, we have tried to show the close relation between the observations chemists make of chemical and physical changes in the laboratory and in nature and the way these changes are viewed at the atomic and molecular levels.

We have also tried to convey a sense that chemistry not only has a lively history but is also dynamic, with important new developments occurring every year. Furthermore, we have provided some insight into the chemical aspects of the world around us. Indeed, a major objective of this book has always been to provide the tools needed for our students to function as chemically literate citizens. Learning about the chemical world is just as important as understanding some basic mathematics and biology and as important as having an appreciation for history, music, and literature.

For example, students should know something about the many materials that are important in our economy and in our daily lives. Furthermore, they should know how chemistry is important in understanding our environment.

In this regard, one growing area of chemistry, highlighted throughout the previous edition and this one, is “green” or “sustainable” chemistry. Looking back over the previous editions, we can see how the book has changed. There have been many new and exciting additions to the contents. In addition, there have been significant advances in the technology of communicating information, and we have taken advantage of those new developments. A desire to make the book even better for our students has been the impetus behind the preparation of each new edition. Over the last two editions we have introduced new approaches to problem solving, new ways to describe contemporary uses of chemistry, new technologies, and improved integration with existing technologies.

Audience for Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
This textbook (both as a printed book and the digital versions) is designed for students interested in further study in science, whether that science is chemistry, biology, engineering, geology, physics, or related subjects. Our assumption is that students in a course using this book have had some preparation in algebra and in general science. Although undeniably helpful, a previous exposure to chemistry is neither assumed nor required.

Philosophy and Approach of Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
We have had several major, but not independent, objectives since the first edition of the book. The first was to write a book that students would enjoy reading and that would offer, at a reasonable level of rigor, chemistry and chemical principles in a format and organization typical of college and university courses today. Second, we wanted to convey the utility and importance of chemistry by introducing the properties of the elements, their compounds, and their reactions. The American Chemical Society has been urging educators to put “chemistry” back into introductory chemistry courses. We agree wholeheartedly. Therefore, we have tried to describe the elements, their compounds, and their reactions as early and as often as possible by:
• Bringing material on the properties of elements and compounds as early as possible into the Examples and Study Questions (and especially the Applying Chemical Principles questions) and introducing new principles using realistic chemical situations.
• Using numerous photographs of the elements and common compounds, of chemical reactions, and of common laboratory operations and industrial processes.
• Introducing each chapter with a discussion of contemporary chemistry such as the use of copper surfaces in hospitals, energy in common foods, and lithium in car batteries.
• Using numerous Case Studies and Applying Chemical Principles study questions that delve into practical chemistry.