The basic skills necessary for general chemistry courses are provided in this book. The text concentrates on problem-solving methods, including use of a calculator. It begins with an introductory chapter on atoms and isotopes - the material is easy to follow, and mastery of it inspires confidence. The second chapter discusses atomic weight, showing how to use a weighted average and calling many mathematical techniques into play, such as fractions, percents, and decimals. Following chapters address balancing equations, and elements, compounds, and mixtures. Topics covered also include scientific notation, significant figures, unit conversions, oxidation numbers, redox equations, logarithms, and pH. Among the examples and problems are applications in stoichiometry, gases, atomic structure, and chemical bonding.

Table of Contents

Atoms; relative atomic weight; molecules and the balanced chemical equation; elements, compounds, and mixtures; scientific notation; significant figures; units and unit conversions; Avogadro's number, the mole, and molecular weight; stoichiometry; percent composition, empirical formulas, and molecular formulas; molarity and solution stoichiometry; gases and the ideal gas law; atomic orbitals; orbitals in atoms and the periodic table; the chemical bond; nomenclature of simple inorganic compounds; oxidation numbers; balancing oxidation-reduction equations; logarithms and pH. Solutions to problems.