Introduction to Chemistry: A Guide to the Essentials by Susan A. Heaston
Chemistry is the science of substances, their properties, structures, and the reactions that change them, states Susan A. Heaston, the author of Introduction to Chemistry: A Guide to the Essentials. This comprehensive guide is designed to help students and non-scientists understand the basics of chemistry and its importance in our daily lives.
Susan A. Heaston is a chemistry lecturer at California State University, Long Beach, and has a wealth of experience in teaching introductory chemistry courses. Her passion for chemistry and dedication to making the subject accessible to all is evident in this book.
The Basics of Chemistry
The book starts with an overview of the basic concepts of chemistry, such as the states of matter, elements, compounds, and mixtures. Heaston explains these concepts using simple language and real-life examples, making it easier for readers to grasp the fundamentals of chemistry.
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
Heaston then delves into the atomic structure and the periodic table, which are essential to understanding how elements behave and interact with each other. She explains the different subatomic particles and their roles in determining the properties of an atom. Her explanation of the periodic table is clear and concise, making it easier for readers to navigate and understand the organization of elements.
Chemical Reactions
Next, Heaston discusses chemical reactions, which is a central concept in chemistry. She explains the different types of reactions, such as synthesis, decomposition, and combustion, and provides examples to help readers understand how these reactions work.
Bonding and Molecular Structure
In this section, Heaston explains the different types of chemical bonds and the role they play in forming molecules. She also discusses the different molecular shapes and how they affect the properties of a molecule.
Chemical Equilibrium, Acids, and Bases
Heaston then delves into chemical equilibrium, acids, and bases. She explains the concept of equilibrium and how it applies to chemical reactions, as well as the properties of acids and bases and their role in chemical reactions.
Solutions
The next section of the book focuses on solutions and their properties. Heaston explains the different types of solutions and how to calculate concentration. She also discusses the factors that affect solubility, such as temperature and pressure.
Organic Chemistry
Heaston concludes the book with a chapter on organic chemistry, which is the study of compounds containing carbon. She covers the basic principles of organic chemistry, including functional groups, isomerism, and reactions involving organic compounds.
Throughout the book, Heaston includes numerous illustrations, examples, and practice problems to further enhance readers’ understanding of the concepts. Additionally, each chapter ends with a summary and review questions to help readers reinforce their learning.
Conclusion
Introduction to Chemistry: A Guide to the Essentials by Susan A. Heaston is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a fundamental understanding of chemistry. Heaston’s easy-to-understand writing style and inclusion of real-life examples make this book an invaluable resource for students and non-scientists alike. Whether you’re preparing for an introductory chemistry course or simply interested in learning more about the subject, this book is an excellent starting point.
