Includes index.

The basic concepts of chemistry. What is chemistry, and why do I need to know some? ; Contemplating chemical calculations ; Matter and energy ; Something smaller than an atom? Atomic structure ; The periodic table (but no chairs) ; Balloons, tires, and scuba tanks : the wonderful world of gases -- A cornucopia of chemical concepts. Chemical cooking : chemical reactions ; The mole : can you dig it? ; Mixing matter up : solutions ; Thermochemistry : hot stuff ; Sour and bitter : acids and bases -- Blessed be the bonds that tie. Where did I put that electron? Quantum theory ; Opposites do attract : ionic bonding ; Sharing nicely : covalent bonding ; What do molecules really look like? Molecular geometry and hybridization ; Tackling periodic trends ; Examining the link between intermolecular forces and condensed states -- Environmental chemistry : benefits and problems. Cough! cough! hack! hack! Air pollution ; Examining the ins and outs of water pollution ; Nuclear chemistry : it'll blow your mind -- The part of tens. Ten serendipitous discoveries in chemistry ; Ten (or so) great chemistry nerds ; Ten terrific tips for passing Chem I ; The top ten industrial chemicals.

With this book you will be able to understand everything from atoms to elements, combustion to cosmetics and compounds to chemical structures. The fundamentals of chemistry are explored in a fun, easy-to-understand manner.