Understand Basic Chemistry Concepts: The Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, Naming Compounds, Balancing Equations, and More

by Chris McMullen

UPDATE : The eBook edition was updated on February 15, 2013 and the paperback editions were updated on February 8, 2013.AUTHOR: Chris McMullen holds a Ph.D. in physics and teaches physics, astronomy, and physical science (including the concepts of chemistry) at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He is highly regarded for his ability to explain science concepts clearly and to get students interested in learning about science.OVERVIEW: This eBook focuses on fundamental chemistry concepts, such as understanding the periodic table of the elements and how chemical bonds are formed. No prior knowledge of chemistry is assumed. The mathematical component involves only basic arithmetic. The content is much more conceptual than mathematical.AUDIENCE: This eBook is geared toward helping anyone - student or not - to understand the main ideas of chemistry. Both students and non-students may find it helpful to be able to focus on understanding the main concepts without the constant emphasis on computations that is generally found in chemistry lectures and textbooks.CONTENTS:(1) Understanding the organization of the periodic table, including trends and patterns.(2) Understanding ionic and covalent bonds and how they are formed, including the structure of valence electrons.(3) A set of rules to follow to speak the language of chemistry How to name compounds when different types of compounds follow different naming schemes.(4) Understanding chemical reactions, including how to balance them and a survey of important reactions.(5) Understanding the three phases of properties of matter, amorphous and crystalline solids, ideal gases, liquids, solutions, and acids/bases.(6) Understanding atomic and nuclear structure and how it relates to chemistry.(7) VErBAl A brief fun diversion from science for the verbal side of the brain, using symbols from chemistry's periodic table to make word puzzles.ANSWERS: Every chapter includes self-check exercises to offer practice and help the reader check his or her understanding. 100% of the exercises have answers at the back of the book.LENGTH: The paperback edition of this eBook has 176 pages. COPYRIGHT: All rights are reserved by the author. However, teachers who purchase one copy of this book or borrow one copy of this book from a library may reproduce selected pages for the purpose of teaching chemistry concepts to their own students.FORMATS: This book is available in paperback in 5.5" x 8.5" (portable size), 8.5" x 11" (large size, ISBN 978-1479201259), and as an eBook. The details of the figures - including the periodic tables - are most clear in the large size and large print edition (ISBN 978-1479201259). However, the eBook is in color, whereas the paperback editions are in black-and-white.

Genres: Science

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2012

About the author

Dr. Chris McMullen has over 20 years of experience teaching university physics in California, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Dr. McMullen is also an author of math and science books. Whether in the classroom or as a writer, Dr. McMullen loves sharing knowledge and the art of motivating and engaging students.

Chris McMullen earned his Ph.D. in phenomenological high-energy physics (particle physics) from Oklahoma State University in 2002. Originally from California, Dr. McMullen earned his Master's degree from California State University, Northridge, where his thesis was in the field of electron spin resonance.

Dr. McMullen is well-known for:
• engaging students in challenging ideas through creativity
• breaking difficult problems down into manageable steps
• providing clear and convincing explanations to subtle issues
• his mastery of physics and strong background in mathematics
• helping students become more fluent in practical math skills

As a physics teacher, Dr. McMullen observed that many students lack fluency in fundamental math skills. In an effort to help students of all ages and levels master basic math skills, he published a series of math workbooks on arithmetic, fractions, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus called the Improve Your Math Fluency Series. Dr. McMullen has also published a variety of science books, including introductions to basic astronomy and chemistry concepts in addition to physics workbooks.

Dr. McMullen is very passionate about teaching. Many students and observers have been impressed with the transformation that occurs when he walks into the classroom, and the interactive engaged discussions that he leads during class time. Dr. McMullen is well-known for drawing monkeys and using them in his physics examples and problems, using his creativity to inspire students. A stressed-out student is likely to be told to throw some bananas at monkeys, smile, and think happy physics thoughts.

Dr. McMullen first published The Visual Guide to Extra Dimensions, Volumes 1 and 2, to share his passion for the geometry and physics of the fourth dimension. Dr. McMullen has coauthored a half-dozen articles on current and future collider searches for large extra dimensions.

In addition to writing and teaching, Dr. McMullen enjoys Scrabble, golf, and chess.

Reviews

[Mariana Farcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our kids here at MyAmericanKids.com love this Chemistry book.
Easy and Enjoyable!
We received the book free for review.

[Lusy Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect

100% recommended for anyone who is starting chemistry. Mostly 6-7 graders. All the basics are covered and colorful fonts makes it easier to memorise too.

[Mr Swag · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice book. Everything is understandable, and it perfectly crosses the line between divulgative and complex. Read a couple other books of the guy. He's cool