Good chemistry books/videos/tutorials?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recommendations for self-studying chemistry, highlighting key textbooks and resources. The 7th edition of Zumdahl's chemistry book is deemed average, particularly lacking in physical chemistry explanations. In contrast, Silberberg's chemistry book is praised for its comprehensive coverage, especially in physical and inorganic chemistry. Additional resources mentioned include MIT OpenCourseWare for video tutorials and Petrucci's Chemistry as a well-rounded textbook, with specific recommendations for organic chemistry texts like Wade and Voldhart.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with general chemistry concepts
  • Understanding of physical chemistry fundamentals
  • Basic knowledge of organic chemistry
  • Ability to access online educational resources
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore MIT OpenCourseWare for chemistry video tutorials
  • Research Silberberg's Chemistry for a comprehensive understanding
  • Study Petrucci's Chemistry for a well-rounded approach
  • Investigate Wade and Voldhart's textbooks for organic chemistry insights
USEFUL FOR

Students and self-learners in chemistry, educators seeking effective teaching materials, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of physical and organic chemistry.

lLovePhysics
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I'm going to self-study Chemistry this year and I need some very good books/videos/tutorials that I can absorb and comprehend the information "easily" from.

Is Zumdahls 7th ed good? Can anyone recommend other texts?

Also, does anyone know of any free online videos, tutorials, or any source that might aid me in self-studying chemistry? I prefer having a teacher teach me so videos are very helpful to me. I checked out Berkely's podcasts but they were sort of too confusing (I didn't know what they were talking about).

Thanks a lot!
 
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chemistry by silberberg is by far the best book I've learned from (comparing with atkins, brown, and mcmurry)

you can get his book on amazon for like 5 bucks!
 
I used Zumdahl's for my first year general chem course. From what I remember it was decent, but it really sucked in anything related to physical chemistry. Especially when he tried to explain particle in a box. That was absolute crap. However, thermodynamics was done somewhat decently but assumed you had strong integral calc (which at that time I never knew). The organic chemistry section wasn't good either, as most of it was way too introductory. Other than that, it had some good exercises that helped reinforce topics.

I've looked at Silberberg as well and it seemed to cover pretty much everything Zumdahl had except with more emphasis on physical chem and inorganic chem. I can't really say how good it was, but all I can tell you is Zumdahl is average and sufficient for self-study.
 
Check out the MIT opencourseware, they usually have good videos, as for good books, it depends on the topic you want to study, a good all-round book is Petrucci's Chemistry. For organic chemistry I would recommend Wade, or Voldhart (I hate Carey and McMurry)
for inorganic chemistry it really depends on the level, i like Huheey
 

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