Top Chemistry Books for Freshman: Essential Reads for Chemistry Majors

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for essential chemistry books for freshman chemistry majors. Participants share their experiences and suggest various texts that align with the American Chemical Society (ACS) curriculum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest Zumdahl and McMurray and Fay as the primary textbooks for freshman chemistry.
  • There is a mention that the conformity to the ACS curriculum is crucial when selecting a textbook.
  • One participant notes that most books will cover the required ACS topics, with Linus Pauling's book being an exception as it does not cover molecular orbitals.
  • A warning is given about a general chemistry book published by the ACS that is advised against, while Zumdahl and McMurray are recommended as safer choices.
  • Chang is also mentioned as a potentially good option for chemistry majors.
  • Silberberg is highlighted positively by multiple participants, with one stating they are currently using it and endorsing the suggestion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the prominence of Zumdahl and McMurray and Fay, but there are multiple suggestions and no consensus on a single "best" book. The discussion includes varying opinions on other texts like Chang and Silberberg.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about how to determine if a book is ACS certified, indicating a potential gap in knowledge regarding certification standards.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for incoming chemistry majors seeking guidance on textbooks that align with their curriculum requirements.

fluidistic
Gold Member
Messages
3,932
Reaction score
283
I'd like to know some books or "must have" books on chemistry that chemistry majors use as freshman.
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
naele said:
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?
 
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.
 
I learned chemistry from Zumdahl's book, so I guess it wouldn't be a bad choice.
 
Silberberg is excellent.
 
Werg22 said:
Silberberg is excellent.

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

Similar threads

Chemistry Thoughts on Introduction to Chemistry fourth Edition by Bauer?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Chemistry What Are the Best Chemistry Books for Physicists?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
Classical How many of a chapter's problems do I do before moving to the next chapter?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
"Statistical Thermodynamics" book by Erwin Schrödinger
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Atomic What are the best books for studying polyatomic molecules?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
What are some good books on inorganic chemistry?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Quantum Where Can I Find Rigorous Books on Physical Chemistry for Master's Level Study?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Chemistry Electricity for chemists
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Chemistry Equivalent of Irodov for Chemistry?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Chemistry Comparing Physical Chemistry Textbooks: Atkins vs. Levine
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
8K