Good chemistry books/videos/tutorials?

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    Chemistry
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for chemistry books, videos, and tutorials suitable for self-study. Participants share their experiences with various texts and resources, focusing on accessibility and comprehensibility of the material.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the effectiveness of Zumdahl's 7th edition for self-study and seeks additional recommendations for books and online resources.
  • Another participant advocates for Silberberg's chemistry book, claiming it is superior to others like Atkins, Brown, and McMurry.
  • A different participant shares their experience with Zumdahl's book, noting its shortcomings in physical chemistry and organic chemistry, while mentioning some strengths in thermodynamics and exercises.
  • Suggestions for online resources include MIT OpenCourseWare for videos, and various books such as Petrucci's Chemistry for general study, Wade for organic chemistry, and Huheey for inorganic chemistry, with some participants expressing dislike for certain other texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the quality of Zumdahl's book, with some finding it adequate for self-study while others criticize its coverage of specific topics. There is no consensus on the best resources, as multiple competing views on preferred texts and materials are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations are based on personal experiences, which may vary in relevance depending on individual learning preferences and backgrounds in chemistry.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying chemistry, particularly those seeking accessible resources and varying perspectives on textbooks and online materials.

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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