General Chemistry: Atoms First review by John McMurry
The 2nd Edition of General Chemistry: Atoms First, published by Pearson Education in 2014, spans 1109 pages. This chemistry textbook takes an innovative approach by starting from the fundamental building blocks of chemistry: atoms. This approach allows the authors to present a cohesive and logically progressing narrative, guiding students from atoms through molecules and compounds. By doing so, students can more intuitively grasp complex concepts and establish a solid foundation for a deeper understanding of chemistry.
This textbook emphasizes the microscopic-to-macroscopic connections between atoms (which are often unobservable) and the observable behavior of matter in our daily lives. It engages students in real chemistry experiences rather than relying solely on rote memorization of facts. The 2nd Edition maintains a true "atoms first" perspective and benefits from the expertise of authors who are experienced in teaching chemistry from this viewpoint. It also incorporates recommendations from a panel of experts in the "atoms first" approach, staying true to the historical tradition of teaching chemistry concepts based on real experimental data before diving into theory.
The content of the book covers a wide range of topics, including experimentation and measurement in chemistry, the structure and stability of atoms, atomic and molecular bonding, stoichiometry, reactions in aqueous solutions, thermochemistry, the behavior of gases, phases of matter, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, the chemistry of hydrogen, oxygen, and water, the properties of main-group and transition elements, solid-state materials, nuclear chemistry, as well as organic and biological chemistry.