Chromatographia (2011) 74:847–848 DOI 10.1007/s10337-011-2126-z
BOOK REVIEW
John Kenkel: Basic Chemistry Concepts and Exercises Phil Riby
Published online: 24 September 2011 Ó Springer-Verlag 2011
Bibliography Basic Chemistry Concepts and Exercises John Kenkel CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2010, pp 468 ISBN 978-1-4398-1337-9 GBP 38.99, USD 59.95
This book is a back-to-basics chemistry text in an easy read style. It would suit people from a non-chemistry background trying to get to grips with a chemistry-based subject, and needing to increase their knowledge, or a school or college student. Each chapter contains ‘homework’ exercises and the author has provided the answers in an appendix. This is excellent for the reader, as sometimes texts require a separate ‘solutions’ manual. Chapter 1 starts with the composition of elements and compounds down to the level of the atom and sub-atomic particles and explains atomic weights and isotopes. Chapter 2 reflects on basic analysis and measurement. It deals with significant figures and how to use them. I think the use of a burette and reading to two significant figures would have been useful but the examples used get the point over very well. The use of non-SI units could cause confusion although I realise the authors use them to demonstrate conversions. Chapter 3 deals with names and formulas of predominantly inorganic compounds. The chapter also looks at the Periodic Table and the location of atoms within it. Ionic
P. Riby (&) The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
compounds and their naming are also considered. The naming of organic compounds using the IUPAC system is not dealt with until the last chapter. Atomic structure is considered in Chapter 4, looking at the Bohr model, energy and light. The development of the Schrodinger model, shells and orbitals are also considered here. The order in which shells are filled is well explained and examples are used from the transition metals. Chapter 5 considers the periodic table and properties of the elements and an element’s location based on atomic size, ionisation energy and electron affinity. Chapter 6 looks at molecular structure; again the basics of bonding using Lewis electron-dot structures are shown. This is used to explain single, double and triple bonds. When it comes to ionic bonds a ‘marble’ structure is used. The end of the chapter progresses to r and p bonds and molecular orbitals. Chapter 7 deals with formula weights, empirical formulas and percentage compositions. Chemical equations are considered in Chapter 8 with the problem of how to balance them being dealt with through progressively more difficult examples. The rest of the chapter deals with calculations based on equations and finally ends with the calculation of theoretical yields. Chapter 9 deals with gases and the gas laws. It includes sections on Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, the combined gas law, standard temperature and pressure, ideal gas law, Avogadro’s law, Dalton’s law and vapour pressure. Chapter 10 looks at solutions and concentrations. This often presents issues for students and the chapter looks at different ways of expressing concentration as well as that most problematic of areas, namely dilution of solutions. The chapter also considers dissolution and improvements in dissolution rates. Molecular solutes in water and non-aqueous solvents are also considered in this chapter. Le Chatelier’s principle is explained in Chapter 11 as part of the
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consideration of chemical equilibrium. This chapter looks at the effect of temperature, pressure, and concentration on the equilibrium. Chapter 12 deals with acids, bases and pH and how they are defined. Calculations are utilised to look at pH and pOH. Chapter 13 deals with oxidation and
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reduction reactions. Chapter 14 deals with organic chemistry and the different classification of compounds. This text would make a good starting point for students who are progressing to more advanced study or to those who need to increase their knowledge of chemistry basics.
