Chemistry: A Self Teaching Guide is unlike the ordinary textbook. It is designed to be completely self-instructional, requiring no chemistry background. The previous editions have been thoroughly tested as a successful means for self-instruction in chemistry for thousands of students. The book can also be used as a supplementary text for any general chemistry course. Each chapter is divided into objectives, an interactive tutorial study section, a self-test, and test answers.

• Objectives. By examining the chapter objectives, you can determine what information is contained in each chapter. If you already know the material, take the self-test at the end of the chapter. Review those questions you missed by checking the frame references given with the answer to each question.
• Tutorial study frames. The body of each chapter is divided into numbered frames. Each frame contains new information, a problem, or an example of a concept with one or more questions for you to answer. Answers for the questions in each frame are given immediately below the questions. Years of educational research have proven this method of immediate reinforcement with the correct answer to be the most effective and efficient means of learning for self-instruction. While having the answer just below each question assures immediate feedback to reinforce learning, it also requires discipline on your part to think about the answer before viewing. We suggest using a bookmark such as an index card as you go down each page, covering the answer below while you critically think about the answer or solve a problem. Each question and answer frame is crafted as a small step, like each step on a staircase, designed to lead to a fuller understanding of a concept in chemistry.
• Self-test. The self-test at the end of each chapter will help you to determine whether you have mastered the chapter material. After completing the chapter, take the test. Refer back to the chapter only if you need formulas or tables to answer specific questions. Compare your answers with those given immediately following the test. If your answers do not agree with the printed ones, review the appropriate frames cited after each answer.

The authors assume no prerequisites except simple high school algebra. However, each chapter builds upon the information provided in previous chapters, so we recommend that the chapters be covered in sequence.

Although we have tried to make this book as useful as possible to the student, any suggestions for improving future revisions would be appreciated. Please address your comments to: