Recommendations for General Chemistry text

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for a General Chemistry textbook suitable for a student transitioning from General Chemistry I to II. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various textbooks, considering factors like comprehensiveness, style, and personal learning preferences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about Linus Pauling's "General Chemistry," noting its positive reviews and considering its suitability based on Pauling's reputation.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of textbook may depend on individual learning styles and recommends browsing books before purchasing.
  • A different participant shares their experience with Martin Silberberg's "Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change," describing it as average and somewhat colorful, but not aligning with their preferences.
  • One participant expresses a desire for a textbook that is more reader-friendly and less cluttered with diagrams, indicating a preference for a different style than standard textbooks.
  • Recommendations for Raymond Chang's "Chemistry" and "Chemistry: The Central Science" are made, both noted for their positive reviews but also mentioned as being pricier options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a single recommended textbook, as preferences vary based on individual learning styles and experiences with different texts.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of personal preference in selecting a textbook, indicating that what works for one may not work for another, and suggest checking availability at libraries before making a purchase.

Who May Find This Useful

Students seeking recommendations for General Chemistry textbooks, particularly those transitioning from introductory to more advanced courses.

QuantumCurt
Education Advisor
Messages
726
Reaction score
166
Hey everyone, I was hoping someone could point me towards a good General Chemistry textbook. I just finished General Chemistry I last semester, and I'm taking part II next semester. We didn't have a required text for the class (nor did we even really need one), but I want to get a good comprehensive textbook for reference and further reading in the future.

I was looking at Linus Pauling's "General Chemistry" text, https://www.amazon.com/dp/1607962985/?tag=pfamazon01-20 . It seems to have overwhelmingly positive reviews. There are two versions of it, the one linked above, and another one from the Dover Books series, that appears to be the exact same book from a different publisher, and in paperback. Does anyone have any experience with this book? I figure Linus Pauling is one of the greats in chemistry, so his text is probably a good one.

Does anyone have any other recommendations? They would be much appreciated.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
This question is asked now and then here (https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=666941) and on other forums.

To some extent it depends on your learning style. Pauling's book is a classic and generally praised, but it doesn't mean you will like it. If you can, go the library or bookstore and browse the book before buying.
 
Last edited:
I used Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change by Martin Silberberg and it's your average colorful, sometimes annoying, textbook.

Borek has some good advice.
 
Thanks for the input. I looked through that thread, and I'm currently checking out some of the recommendations in there. I'm going to see if Pauling's book is at my school library, or my local library. You're probably right that I should check it out before purchasing.

It doesn't sound like the Silberberg book would be what I'm looking for. I'm looking for less of a standard textbook type of book, and something that's a little bit more of a reader type of book. I tend not to like books that are all muddled up with millions of diagrams and pictures.
 

Similar threads

Chemistry Concise General Chemistry book for self study
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Chemistry What Are the Best Chemistry Books for Physicists?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
Chemistry Chemistry textbook for physics majors?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Atomic Introductory (yet rigorous) Organic/Inorganic Chemistry book
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Chemistry Are there comprehensive chemistry textbooks for college level students?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Book recommendation after Sakurai Modern Quantum Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Textbook Suggestions For Lasers and Laser Ablation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Relativity Lenny Susskind Has Done It Again - General Relativity
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Chemistry Which Chemistry Textbook Is Best for Introductory Courses?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
Applied Resources for general vector differential equations?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K