University Chemistry

University Chemistry by Brian Laird, published in 2008 by McGraw-Hill Higher Education, presents a comprehensive approach to the essentials of chemistry. This first edition guides readers from the very fundamentals - laying out the language of chemistry and the quantum theory underlying the submicroscopic world - to more advanced topics essential for understanding modern chemical science. The book methodically explores many-electron atoms and the periodic table, the nature of chemical bonds, and the intricacies of molecular structure and interaction. It then moves into the states of matter, examining gases, liquids, and solids, and offers a detailed look at thermochemistry, energy dynamics in chemical reactions, and the role of entropy and free energy in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics. Further sections unravel the complexities of physical and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases along with their equilibria and solubility, and the principles of electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. The later chapters delve into specialized areas such as atmospheric chemistry, the chemistry of metals, organic chemistry, and both synthetic and natural organic polymers, culminating with a thorough discussion on nuclear chemistry. Included appendices supply the necessary mathematical background and provide essential thermodynamic data at 1 bar and 25°C, making this edition a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts aiming to master university-level chemistry.