How Can I Self-Study Basic Chemistry Effectively?

[Lade]

Hello,

As the title should have implied, I am looking into the possibility of learning some basic chemistry on my own. My background in the subject is minimal, consisting primarily of the very little I've had in the earlier high school grades -- and frankly, I have not the slightest of ideas on where to start.

I therefore come asking for directions, suggestions for study materials and texts, and so forth. I have (expectedly..) knowledge in some basic calculus and physics (alas, no thermodynamics) that would likely suffice for studies at this level. I should probably mention that taking any formal courses, in whatever, is very much not feasible for me in the near future.

Your advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Ygggdrasil]

How about using MIT's open course ware (http://ocw.mit.edu/). They offer course materials (including some online lectures) for many classes, such as this introductory chemistry course (http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Chemistry/5-111Fall-2008/CourseHome/index.htm).

 

[symbolipoint]

Why is this:

I should probably mention that taking any formal courses, in whatever, is very much not feasible for me in the near future.

?
Can you go to a community college to attend an introductory Chemistry class? Any reasonable learning at the beginning or introductory level needs laboratory activity.

 

[thrill3rnit3]

Start with an elementary text, something like Zumdahl's chemistry text:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/061852844X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

That's the book I used in my AP Chem class in high school, so it shouldn't be that bad. If for some reason that still is a bit too hard for you, try Wilbraham/Staley/Matta's chemistry:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0132512106/?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[boboYO]

I've also decided that I should probably learn some chemistry, being a major area of science and all. The only chemistry I've learned was from high school and I didn't learn anything. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good, rigorous introduction? (like how spivak's calculus is an introduction to calculus). I don't want some massive 1000 page textbook with tons of color pictures and boring exercises.