Chemistry Chemistry textbook for Physicists

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A professional physicist with a background in quantum field theory and high school chemistry seeks a chemistry textbook suitable for someone with strong mathematical and physical knowledge. The individual has previously taken general chemistry and organic chemistry but is looking to deepen their understanding, particularly in theoretical chemistry. Recommendations include using McMurry's textbook for general chemistry, as well as considering quantitative and inorganic chemistry texts for further study. Some contributors suggest skipping general chemistry in favor of physical chemistry texts, highlighting that these often provide a more detailed exploration of general concepts. Notable recommendations include the Silberberg text and Atkins' Physical Chemistry, which are seen as beneficial for bridging the gap between physics and chemistry. Additionally, enrolling in community college courses for hands-on laboratory experience is advised to enhance practical understanding.
Korybut
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Hello

Being a professional physicist(Quantum field theory and HS theory) I'd like to learn chemistry for some reasons. I've already tried to find a nice Chemistry textbook but failed to find physicist friendly one.

My last class on chemistry was in high school like 11 years ago already, so my chemical background is pretty low unfortunately, but mathematical and physical are both good.

I am interested in General Chemistry with further possible digging into Theoretical Chemistry (if it exists, please excuse my ignorance)

Many thanks in advance
 
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I retook general chemistry a few years ago and continued on with organic minus the lab (we needed a materials person and our resident chemist was frankly an idiot so as the only materials physicist in the group I took it upon myself to essentially work on a chemistry degree). We used McMurry

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0321943171/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I liked it. I was heading towards more theoretical topics myself in chemistry when I left that company ~3 years ago.
 
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Most any typical General Chemistry book aimed at undergraduates should be fine for you. Some courses from your local community college would be more helpful because of laboratory exercises. Just General Chemistry may be insufficient for your goal, so maybe Quantitative and Inorganic textbooks, would be further materials to study.

A couple of authors of Gen Chem books were, Mortimer; and Petrucci. There may be others.
 
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I would suggest skipping the gen chem and looking up physical chemistry texts. A lot of what is included is a more detailed presentation of general chemistry concepts, especially for things like activity coefficients. I brushed up on general chemistry when I taught the labs last year and most of it boils down to a course in how to use algebra to solve problems. The Silberberg text they used was pretty good. I'd go for the Atkins Physical Chemistry though.
 
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