Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide

“Chemistry Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide” by Clifford C. Houk and Richard Post is a self-teaching guide to the fundamental concepts of chemistry. It is aimed at students who are studying chemistry on their own or who need extra help in their chemistry courses. The book is designed to be a user-friendly, step-by-step guide that provides clear explanations of key concepts and numerous practice problems.

Some of the key concepts covered in the book include:

1. Atomic structure: This section covers the basic structure of atoms, including the subatomic particles that make up atoms, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. It also covers the properties of atoms, such as atomic number, mass number, and isotopes.
2. Chemical bonding: This section covers the different types of chemical bonds that can form between atoms, including ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds. It also covers the properties of molecules, such as polarity and intermolecular forces.
3. Chemical reactions: This section covers the basic types of chemical reactions, including acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and reaction kinetics. It also covers reaction stoichiometry and the use of chemical equations.
4. Thermodynamics: This section covers the laws of thermodynamics, including the first law, which deals with energy conservation, and the second law, which deals with entropy. It also covers the concept of enthalpy and how it relates to chemical reactions.
5. Solutions and equilibrium: This section covers the properties of solutions, including concentration and solubility, as well as the concept of chemical equilibrium and how it relates to acid-base and redox reactions.

Overall, “Chemistry Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide” is a practical and accessible guide to the fundamental concepts of chemistry. It provides clear explanations of key concepts and numerous practice problems that allow students to test their understanding of the material. It is designed to be an effective resource for students who are studying chemistry on their own or who need extra help in their chemistry courses.