Top Chemistry Books for Freshman: Essential Reads for Chemistry Majors

[fluidistic]

I'd like to know some books or "must have" books on chemistry that chemistry majors use as freshman.
Thank you.

 

[naele]

Zumdahl or McMurray and Fay are the two biggest names as far as freshman chemistry is concerned. There are about a million different books though, the only thing that matters is if it conforms to the prescribed ACS curriculum.

 

[fluidistic]

Zumdahl or McMurray and Fay are the two biggest names as far as freshman chemistry is concerned. There are about a million different books though, the only thing that matters is if it conforms to the prescribed ACS curriculum.

Thank you very much for the suggestions, I will investigate.
I didn't know about ACS, but I just googled it. By the way, how do I know if a book is ACS certified?

 

[naele]

To be honest, you'll be hard pressed to find a book that didn't cover the required topics prescribed by the ACS. The only I know of off the top of my head is Linus Pauling's book AFAIK because it doesn't cover molecular orbitals.

Anyway, I should also warn you that there's a general chemistry book actually published by the ACS which you should avoid. Just stick with either Zumdahl or McMurray. Another name is Chang, which I've heard good things about. I personally used Zumdahl so I can speak to how good it is.

 

[thrill3rnit3]

I learned chemistry from Zumdahl's book, so I guess it wouldn't be a bad choice.

 

[Werg22]

Silberberg is excellent.

 

[danago]

Silberberg is excellent.

I am currently using silberberg and can +1 this suggestion.