Book Description
Scoring high on the AP Chemistry Exam is very different from earning straight A’s in school. We don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about chemistry—only the strategies and information you’ll need to get your highest score. In Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, we’ll teach you how to

·Use our preparation strategies and test-taking techniques to raise your score
·Focus on the topics most likely to appear on the test
·Test your knowledge with review questions for each chemistry topic covered

This book includes 2 full-length practice AP Chemistry tests. All of our practice questions are just like those you’ll see on the actual exam, and we explain how to answer every question.

Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam has been fully updated for the 2008 test. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very good
So far I've used this book as a study guide and as an extra source of practice problems for my AP chem class. It's really helpful and helped me on my tests. It also seems good to review for the AP test. It explains concepts in a simple way. The problems and answers provided are clear and very similar to real AP questions. ... Read more

Book Description
We’re all natural born chemists. Every time we cook, clean, take a shower, drive a car, use a solvent, such as fingernail polish remover, or perform any of the countless everyday activities that involve complex chemical reactions we’re doing chemistry. You might even say that we’re all participating in a grand chemistry experiment that started with the first human who mixed pigments to do a cave painting. Why do so many of us desperately resist learning chemistry when we’re young? Maybe it has something to do with the way it’s taught in school.

Now there’s a fun, easy way to learn basic chemistry. Whether you’re studying chemistry in school and you’re looking for a little help making sense of what’s being taught in class, or you’re just into learning new things for their own sake, Chemistry For Dummies gets you rolling with all the basics of matter and energy, atoms and molecules, acids and bases, and much more. In no time you’ll:

• Understand atomic structure and function
• Use the Periodic Table of elements
• Know what happens when matter changes from one state to another
• Explore ionic and covalent bonding
• Get a handle on chemical reactions
• Perform simple chemistry calculations
• Understand acids, bases, pHs, antacids, and gases
• Make sense Boyle’s Law, Avrogadro’s Law and other key laws in chemistry

Written in plain English and requiring only basic math, Chemistry For Dummies puts you on the fast track to mastering the basics of chemistry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Great Chemistry Intro
An excellent introduction/refresher book. The only issue I had was the habitual America-centric writing I have to endure with most U.S books. When talking about pollution for example we only got figures for the United States as if no where else is relevant. These books are sold and read outside of the U.S.

not intended for dummmies
It was a bit too detailed for my liking.I felt it could have been broken down into more laymans terms with more examples.I found it difficult to stay interested.it was more for a person going to be a chemist rather than a person trying to get a step ahead for a college chemistry course

Chemisty for Dummies
It was helpful as well as could be.For me Chemistry is a very difficult subject to understand, it did help clarify some areas.

Read before you take chemistry 101.
I bought this book as a supplement to my Chemistry 101 textbook.I was really looking for a more complete explanation of electron configuration, which I didn't find this book to be that helpful with.Overall, I thought this book helped to reinforce some of the basic concepts, but didn't really have much of an impact on my grade.I would recommend this book to someone who wants an overview of chemistry before taking the course or to someone who needs to brush up on basic chemistry before taking a more advanced course.It can also be helpful if you're having trouble with a particular topic.I did enjoy the supplemental information in the book having to do with chemistry of everyday life.

No Dummy would ever take Chemistry
One thing I always enjoyed about the "for Dummies" series is the sense of humor and real realism in them. This book does an OK job, and is written by a Professor who understands what students struggle with and tries to make it as simple as possible. But Chemistry is a very complex and vast subject, no one book could contain every aspect of it. This book should be seen as a review or a brush up on chemistry, it by no means covers all the topics you will take in a Inorganic Chemistry class, especially the farther you go into the semester. The fact is most people who will be using this book are those students entering into Inorganic Chemistry, or General Chemistry. I do feel he could devote a few of the chapters to topics that will discussed in most Inorganic chemistry textbooks instead of such things as Organic Chemistry, which is a subject unto itself, air pollution, water pollution, and chemistry in the home for example. All relevant topics, but not really going to help you get a passing grade on a test. This is a supplement to your textbook that I feel is well worth spending a few bucks on and using it to your advantage. ... Read more

Book Description
A plain-English guide to one of the toughest science courses around
Organic chemistry is rated among the most difficult courses that students take and is frequently the cause of washout among pre-med, medical, and nursing students. This book is an easy-to-understand and fun reference to this challenging subject. It explains the principles of organic chemistry in simple terms and includes worked-out problems to help readers get up to speed on the basics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Not a help
I bought this book thinking it might be helpful over the course of my Orgo I class, however, this book turned out to be way tooooo Basic to be of any help at all. I also thought that the order and ways which the reactions and concepts were not done well at all. Poor coverage of electrophilic addition.

Great for College Students
This book is great if you are a pre-professional health science major and need to learn the inner workings of Organic Chemistry.It gives you some insight before you take the class on how to succeed in studying in it, so you can make that "A" that your admissions board will be proud to see on your transcript.I highly recommend it.

Very helpful
This book really helped me understand the course by simplifying a lot of the topics.

Chemistry
Had been a while siince i took general chemistry and so found organic a little hard. My professor suggested buying this book it was the best $19.99 that i ever spent. Too bad there was no guide for Organic 2!

There are better supplement books...
Needing a supplement to my Organic Chemistry textbook I picked this up, which was more or less a waste. It simply doesn't provide enough to better understand college level Organic Chemistry, maybe High School. It read and felt like a dumbed down bad textbook, with bad attempts at humor thrown in; maybe to dull up the reading. Don't get me wrong there are helpful parts of the book... just few and far between. After my disappointment I picked up Organic Chemistry Demystified, a definite college/grad level supplement which was very good, and the quizzes helped immensly.
... Read more

Book Description
In a highly accessible and unintimidatingfashion, this book bridges the gap between conceptual understanding and actual application while strongly emphasizing the development of problem-solving skills.All aspects of spectroscopy have been updated and enhanced, relevant photographs have been added, and many applications to polymer chemistry have been integrated throughout. Increased focus on and discussions of thiols and sulfides, stereochemistry, and mechanisms. More biological applications throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

EXCELLENT BOOK
I'm in my second semester of organic chemistry and really struggled the first semester because my prof doesn't ellaborate on anything,likes to keep lectures generalized, and believes it's best that we learn on our own through the book.The $250 book we had to buy for the class is so wordy and poorly organized. We usually have 7-8 chapters on one exam (about every 3-4 weeks) and some of the chapters are 80-100 pages.When I study things I like the text or my notes I get caught up on the little things if it's not neatly/concisely/clearly written. This book is exactly what I love. It uses many colors to perfectly keep things easily readable. I had read hundreds of reviews (I'm not even kidding) about how wonderful Wade's texts are and how he teaches it as if you were a little kid--it's so true. You seriously cannnot read one of his chapters and not understand. I never use my other text anymore even if I know where the info I'm looking for is at. It is seriously one of the best science textbooks I have ever had because of how it's formated.He also has great examples in it that are useful....like ones that are often on our labs and on quizes/exams.The end of the chapter summaries are the best thing too.He literally sums everything up by writing all of the equations so everything is all on a couple of pages.I've photocopied many of the chapter reviews because they're such a concise and clean form of my notes.

Easy to Read
This book is nicely written for someone who is not going to be an organic chemist.It is easy to read and understand.One downfall I will mention is that it is so easy to read, students are many times fooled into thinking that they understand the material.But overall, good features including helpful graphics, summaries and examples.

ehh, ok.
This seems like a well-organized and helpful book. Even more helpful, perhaps, had I opened it for the class...oops.

Clear to the point
Students in chemistry, this book is clear and colorful to a better understanding of this though class.

Organic Chemistry
I ordered a used book for my daughter. Even though there were plenty available when I ordered, I received an email about a week later saying that the order was being refunded with no other explanation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Perfect Condition
This was an outstanding product, came bundled and I got more than I expected in terms of quality and quantity! One of the best purchases I've ever had online. Thank you!

Best out there
My AP chemistry class used this book as well as my college General Chemistry class. Ive compared it with other popular chemistry books and none of them explain as thoroughly and cover as wide a breadth of topics as this book does. If your having problems with your current General Chemistry textbook you should definitely buy this one as an adjunct to it.

chemistry the central science
The book was in mint condition, and shipping was extremely fast, the problem I had was it came with a media pak, I paid alot for this not realizing that there were different media paks, my daughter spent a week trying to get into her college class with this, numerous e-mails waiting 24 hrs for an answer, numerous phone calls, only to find out it was wrong and we had to pay another $50.00 on line to get the right codes to get into the class.It should be listed somewhere what the different classes are we could have bought a used book & the code on line and saved alot of money.

New and on Time
The book came quickly with express delivery and it was brand new. ... Read more

Book Description
Get a Better Grade in Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry may be challenging, but that doesn't mean you can't get the grade you want. With David Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language: Translating the Basic Concepts, you'll be able to better understand fundamental principles, solve problems, and focus on what you need to know to succeed.

Here's how you can get a better grade in Organic Chemistry:

Understand the Big Picture.
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language points out the major principles in Organic Chemistry and explains why they are relevant to the rest of the course. By putting these principles together, you'll have a coherent framework that will help you better understand your textbook.

Study More Efficiently and Effectively
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language provides time-saving study tips and a clear roadmap for your studies that will help you to focus your efforts.

Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills
Organic Chemistry as a Second Language will help you develop the skills you need to solve a variety of problem types-even unfamiliar ones!

Need Help in Your Second Semester?
Get Klein's Organic Chemistry II as a Second Language!
978-0-471-73808-5 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

My organic chemistry teacher recommended it!
This book helped me through the first semester of organic chemistry at college. It was very thorough and helped me with the final. It's a must have for anyone who wants a good useful guide for Orgo!

Best Orgo Review Book of Them All
I am currently taking organic chemistry at Harvard and I was struggling a lot with the class, as a last ditch effort to pull up my grades I decided to get a study guide. I searched through a lot of them but I can tell you that this one is definitely the best. It simplifies even the most complex problems by giving you systematic strategies to approach organic chemistry. I only wish I had bought it earlier on in the semester.

Excellent supplemental material for orgo
I wrote a review for Orgo II as a Second Language, and I'll say the same thing about this book:
This book should be required in every orgo class. I've used both semesters (Organic Chem I as a Second Language & Organic Chem II as a Second Language). He does an outstanding job of breaking down incredibly important and challenging concepts, making them understandable, and presenting short problems that help you master (and remember) those concepts. By the end of each chapter you have learned something, and learned it well. These books will make orgo much more pleasant for you and deepen you understanding of it. GET THESE BOOKS.

For sure
If you have any apprehension about taking the O.C., purchace this before anything else.But most of all, read it. Compare it to class notes and the textbook and ask your professor many well thought out questions both after class and during office hours.With this little books help i made an A in both O.C. I & II!

Orgo Review Book
I thought this book was great at first. It is really thorough with a lot of concepts that are difficult to grasp, such as resonance structures and naming. However, there were some mistakes in the book. And, it really just drops off after that, barely covering reactions. Instead, the book instructs on how to study the reactions yourself, but does not go through any of them as I had hoped it would. ... Read more

Book Description
Updated to reflect the most recent Advanced Placement Chemistry exams, this manual presents two diagnostic tests and three full length practice exams, all with questions answered and explained. The author also presents additional routine and more challenging problems in every chapter. Also included is a complete compact review of chemistry topics covering the structure of matter, chemical bonding, states of matter, physical chemistry, chemical reactions, and other topics that appear on the AP exam. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

nice, but a few mistakes
This book is very helpful, but there are some mistakes. For example, on page 363, Cr magically changed to Cs on the second sentence of the problem. It's still good to supplement your chem class, but watch out for small mistakes like the one I mentioned. They shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as you understand the intent of the questions.

Excellent General Chemistry book
I am studying for my DAT now and i think this book is much more sufficient than Kaplan. I took my general chemistry 5 years ago; thats why some of the important concept had faded out of my memory.
I am really scared since i dont want to go back to my gen textbook; i am glad that i picked out this book
The book also very organize and really easy to understand.
I recommend for any students who are struggled with General Chem to have this book. ... Read more

Book Description
CHEMISTRY SECOND EDITION

The fast, easy way to master the fundamentals of chemistry

Have you ever wondered about the differences between liquids, gases, and solids? Or what actually happens when something burns? What exactly is a solution? An acid? A base? This is chemistry—the composition and structure of substances composing all matter, and how they can be transformed. Whether you are studying chemistry for the first time on your own, want to refresh your memory for a test, or need a little help for a course, this concise, interactive guide gives you a fresh approach to this fascinating subject. This fully up-to-date edition of Chemistry: Concepts and Problems:

• Has been tested, rewritten, and retested to ensure that you can teach yourself all about chemistry
• Requires no prerequisites
• Lets you work at your own pace with a helpful question-and-answer format
• Lists objectives for each chapter—you can skip ahead or find extra help if you need it
• Reinforces what you learn with chapter self-tests

Customer Reviews (24)

Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)
This book is excellent! I am studying for an entrance exam andI am retaking chemistry in summer school. I feel that I now have a better understanding of the basic concepts. The only section I did not like was the explanation of electron configuration. Electron configuration isone of the simplest concepts in chemistry, this section was not written well. I took chemistry before and found it boring and I didn't understand it. I wish I had purchased this book before I had taken chemistry the first time.

Don't like the teaching style
I found the constant Q&A method to be an annoying method of learning. I need to learn chemistry in a week to take a CLEP exam, but the Q&A method just slows me down. I would recommend you check out the Homework Helpers Chemistry guide instead.

Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)
Years ago my high school chemistry teacher told me I was too dumb to understand chemistry.This book helped me pass out of introductory college chemistry and gave me the confidence to take on upper division chemistry classes as I pursue a second career as a certified nurse practioner.

The authors take you by the hand and walk step by step through a world that is logical and challenging.Their teaching method dispelled my fears of being too dumb and established a new found belief that I can and do understand chemistry.

I hope it will do the same for you.

Great layout, easy book to follow
I find this book a very thorough and painfully methodical step-by-step guide. Each concept is presented in a logical sequence and is broken into small pieces so it can be easily learned and absorbed. It has all the characteristics of good teaching: Small fractions of knowledge introduced progressively, frequent repetition, test questions on every other sentence, each piece is based on the previous, logical correlates and a sum-up test at the end of each passage. I don't mind the answers under each question, in fact I prefer it as it gives me instant feedback without having to flip back the pages 4 times a minute. I just hide the answers until I've answered the question. Even my cat could learn chemistry with this book. Brilliant!

Pretty good book
Useful information for someone who had chemistry 37 years ago and now taking it again. The information was pretty clear and the actual problems are easy to work. I got this book along with another one, and my "fears" were resolved before I even started the class. ... Read more

Book Description
Building on the resounding success of the first volume (0-471-27235-3), Organic Chemistry as a Second Language, Volume 2 provides readers with clear, easy-to-understand explanations of fundamental principles. It explores the critical concepts while also examining why they are relevant. The core content is presented within the framework of predicting products, proposing mechanisms, and solving synthesis problems. Readers will fine-tune the key skills involved in solving those types of problems with the help of interactive, step-by-step instructions and problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Organic Chemistry II As A Second Language
If you are struggling in your second semester of Organic Chemistry, then this is just the book you need. The way it is written makes it easier to understand the concepts better than any textbook. This book literally saved my life in Organic Chemistry. I highly recommend this product.

Excellent-- better than most textbook explanations
One will find a host of information from a standard Organic Chemistry textbook, but more often, a student shall view these reactions as separate and different and then find the subject overwhelming. Organic Chemistry As A Second Language II is EXTREMELY valuable in that it makes the student see how similar or different the reactions are. It also makes the mechanisms seem very simple-- the electron pushing and diagrams are so easy to understand, and best of all, accurate.

I am unaware as to the quality of David Klein's other titles, but I assure you that this one is a must-read for survival. I had even impressed the professor with a Baeyer-Villiger reaction that she did not cover in class.

Whereas this book has helped me to do well in my second organic chemistry class, I might have done better in my first orgo class had I encountered Organic Chemistry As A Second Language sooner.

Btw I don't know about the other guy, but Klein responded to my email.

Excellent supplemental study material for orgo
This book should be required in every orgo class. I've used both semesters (Organic Chem I as a Second Language & Organic Chem II as a Second Language). He does an outstanding job of breaking down incredibly important and challenging concepts, making them understandable, and presenting short problems that help you master (and remember) those concepts. By the end of each chapter you have learned something, and learned it well. These books will make orgo much more pleasant for you and deepen you understanding of it. GET THESE BOOKS.

Organic Chemistry - Short and sweet
This book is extremely helpful and practical.It takes all of the information that you need to know from your textbook and summarizes it very nicely.It gets right to point!Short and sweet!It's like your textbook without all of the fluff.Also, the amount of practice problems are perfect!It follows along precisely with your class.

Be warned...
I bought another one of the author's titles, from the same publisher, to have something a little smaller to read on the subway rather than pulling out my large textbook. The workable problems and their respective solutions are plagued with errors from beginning to end. I attempted to e-mail and call the author at Johns Hopkins to both bring this to his attention and to attempt to get a corrected solutions set, but to no avail. I feel that posting this is an appropriate warning to students who may actually need to rely on supplemental supplemental material like this to help grasp the material. If his other titles are any indication, I warn you to stay away from this book and seek other material.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry with The Chemistry Place CD-ROM (9th Edition)
Great textbook.Very clear and thorough.Since I am having to teach myself this Chemistry course this semester, I am greatful that I at least have a good book to work with. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

What a solutions manual should be
This is a very good solutions manual. It doesn't skip steps and is clear and covers EVERY problem. It is so useful that I wouldn't recommend using the textbook without having this b/c this solutions manual really helps you to understand the specific steps and mechanisms. Hey - I got an A in O-chem for two semesters and this book helped.

Chemistry
Very easy to understand when used in conjunction with the text. Good step by step explanations. Had taken general chemistry 8 years before i took organic and it was able to bring me up to speed! ... Read more

Book Description
KEY MESSAGE: Building on the strengths that have made Karen Timberlake a best-selling author in the one-semester allied health market, General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: Structures of Life, Second Edition now offers even more quantitative and conceptual coverage and the most comprehensive media package available. General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: Structures of Life also provides all of Timberlake’s proven pedagogical features a clear and friendly writing style, a reader-focused approach, and real world health-related applications that readers can relate to.Chemical concepts are broken into bite-size pieces, with a step-by-step approach that provides clear and thorough understanding, and conceptual questions at the end of each chapter test reader comprehension of the material. New problems have been added throughout the text and more quantitative coverage has been added to the general chemistry section. A new color-coded Guide to Problem Solving helps readers master problem-solving skills. Measurements, Atoms and Elements, Nuclear Radiation, Compounds and Their Bonds, Chemical Reactions and Quantities, Energy and Matter, Gases, Solutions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes, Unsaturated Hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers, and Thiols, Aldehydes, Ketones, and Chiral Molecules, Carbohydrates, Carboxylic Acids and Esters, Lipids, Amines and Amides, Amino Acids and Proteins, Enzymes and Vitamins, Nucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis, Metabolic Pathways for Carbohydrates Metabolic Pathways and Energy Production, Metabolic Pathways for Lipids and Amino Acids. MARKET: For all readers interested in general, organic, and biological chemistry.

Customer Reviews (4)

Mind Boggling
I'm using this text for a college course. The pictures are really vivid, have plenty of information. There are plenty of examples. There are answers to the oddly numbered questions, but the even numbered questions (which my professor is assigning) do not have solutions. As a result it is difficult to determine whether or not one is on the right track! Further, the wording on some of the questions is confusing, making it difficult to determine what the given is, and how to find the correct conversions.
Not a bad book, but I'd like to see more.

as described
Item as describe, However, had some problems with the delivery . It took me three weeks to get my books( I was qualified for 2 days shipping)

Amazing Read
I have to admit that this is the most interesting books I've ever read. If you want to know how the basics of life all tie together and form the world and existance around you then this is for you. This book has seriously opened up the world to me. I cannot look at anything around me like I used to. I recommend getting and reading this book solo. The way it is written makes it perfectly understandable without a teacher or professor of any kind. Everything is spelled out clearly with simple everday comparisons and examples. There are a ton of useful problems to work on to assist in cementing your knowledge in place. Seriously though I really can't think of any other book I've ever read that was more interesting than this one. Pick it up and prepare to see your world unfold in front of you as a new and chaotic, complex and beautifully organized universe.

Textbook/great shape
Very good service, book in great shape. Great savings for a new college student.Would do business with again.Thank-you! ... Read more

Book Description

General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry provides a readable, uncomplicated and accessible introduction to those in allied health and other fields who have little or no background in chemistry. Timberlake uses the same style and integrated pedagogy that have made her best-selling one-semester text so successful in the classroom. She balances technical accuracy and everyday examples to help bring chemistry alive for readers. For college instructors, students, and readers interested in general, organic, and biological chemistry.

Customer Reviews (4)

Mind Boggling
I'm using this text for a college course. The pictures are really vivid, have plenty of information. There are plenty of examples. There are answers to the oddly numbered questions, but the even numbered questions (which my professor is assigning) do not have solutions. As a result it is difficult to determine whether or not one is on the right track! Further, the wording on some of the questions is confusing, making it difficult to determine what the given is, and how to find the correct conversions.
Not a bad book, but I'd like to see more.

as described
Item as describe, However, had some problems with the delivery . It took me three weeks to get my books( I was qualified for 2 days shipping)

Amazing Read
I have to admit that this is the most interesting books I've ever read. If you want to know how the basics of life all tie together and form the world and existance around you then this is for you. This book has seriously opened up the world to me. I cannot look at anything around me like I used to. I recommend getting and reading this book solo. The way it is written makes it perfectly understandable without a teacher or professor of any kind. Everything is spelled out clearly with simple everday comparisons and examples. There are a ton of useful problems to work on to assist in cementing your knowledge in place. Seriously though I really can't think of any other book I've ever read that was more interesting than this one. Pick it up and prepare to see your world unfold in front of you as a new and chaotic, complex and beautifully organized universe.

Textbook/great shape
Very good service, book in great shape. Great savings for a new college student.Would do business with again.Thank-you! ... Read more

Book Description
The Princeton Review realizes that acing the SAT ChemistrySubject Test is very different from earning straight A's in school. We don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about chemistry–only the techniques and information you’ll need to maximize your score. In Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, we’ll teach you how to think like the test writers and

·Master test taking strategies that will improve your score
·Review key concepts that will appear on the test
·Use proven techniques to solve complicated questions

The 2007-2008 edition of Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test is revised and updated to include the most current information possible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Thorough comprehensive preparation
Contrary to the other reviewers so far, I found this book to be quite helpful. The information was presented in a very straightforward fashion so as to make it easier to conceptualize. The book covers every type of question to the extent that come exam day, there are very few surprises.

That said, there are a few misprints, but they are so innocuous that they are hardly even worth noting. For example, the two mentioned in another review are there, but the correct answers are listed on the exact same page. Another (still minor) error is in one of the chapter summaries on pg 147, where the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is written in place of the equation for the equilibrium constant (but, again, those who actually read the material will not be too confused by it).

Those aside, there are no factual errors in this book (that I noticed, anyhow). The drill questions and summaries at the end of each chapter serve as great ways to quickly brush up on some facts you may have forgotten as you get closer to the test day. The book doesn't throw excessive information at you like some others do. All around, it teaches what it needs to and does so well.

Last, I'd like to address the common criticism that this book's practice tests are "too easy." I had heard the same complaints before buying this book, but ended up being quite pleasantly surprised by the results. Let's let the numbers speak for themselves...

My scores on the practice tests: 710, 770, 670 (the 670 was on the day before the test)
My score on the actual test: 780

Too easy.
I used this book over the summer in order to prepare for the SAT chemistry subject test I took back in October. I found the book to be well organized and to the point. Unfortunately, the material and the practice tests were far too easy compared to the questions found in the real test. I finished reading and reviewing this book from cover to cover before I took the actual subject test. I ended up scoring a mere 700, and now I'm retaking the test in December.

I would not recommend using this book if you want to score high. To me, the SAT chemistry test was more difficult than what this book makes it appear to be.

Terrible, will never buy from the company again.
I will never buy another Princeton Review product because of the errors in this book and the way it was set up. I paid the full price for this book, and I feel cheated.

The book was full of simple errors that could have been fixed with simple, basic proofreading. Part III has the answers and explanations in a table for all the practice questions, and the answer for question 6 on page 209 is blank. While explaining the types of questions there is a bubble filled in wrong. They say the answer is True, True, but False, True is bubbled in (pg 14). Again, these are mistakes that could have been fixed by simple proofreading, and because of them I do not trust the other answers and explanations in the book.

I also had numerous problems with the way they actual review material was set up, but these problems were so closely related to how I was taught chemistry so I'm not going to comment on them. ... Read more

Book Description

This popular book is a useful and interesting read for the layperson, as it is colorful, conversational in tone, and easily understandable. Knowledge of chemistry leads to better understanding about the hazards and benefits of this world, enabling better personal decision-making. Explores the concept of green chemistry throughout. Extensively revises key subject areas such as Energy, Fitness and Health, and Drugs. Features new color photographs and diagrams throughout to help readers visualize chemical phenomena. Personalizes chemistry for today's reader, encouraging a focus on evaluating information about real-life issues rather than memorizing rigorous theory and mathematics. For anyone interested in learning about chemistry and its effect upon our everyday lives.

Customer Reviews (3)

Proof- not just for mathematics
There are a number of errors in this textbook, not just in the end-of-chapter review problems, but also in the chapter Examplesthat are meant to explain them. This does little to allow students to quickly and easily grasp the material.
The writing style makes an interesting novel but a lousy textbook. Material is presented by giving an example, history and finally the scientific concept meant to be grasped. Makes for a great mystery, but this is science and a subject that scares students anyway. A concept given first is seldom followed by a thorough explanation. The effect is one of an author, who know his material really well, has no idea how to convey the basics to his readers and is trying hard to entertain. Combine this with the smattering of factual errors and this textbook is just annoying.

Great for understanding all that is "Chemistry"
Chemistry can be interesting and it can be difficult to understand.This book addresses both of these areas quite well. This is a book that you study from, as well as read.For anyone who is preparing to take a Chemistry class, this book is well worth investigating, because this book, in its 20 Chapters, covers every principle, formula, idea, and topic that will be covered in class.My CHEM 100 course used this as our text, and we covered only half of the book (at a Community College in Maryland).I learned a lot from the course and from this book.I heartedly recommend it!For grandmom to read on your drive to DisneyWorld????Oh, maybe not. Especially if she's driving.

Best of the liberal arts texts
There are two people that would be interested in this book - those that are enrolled in a liberal arts chemistry course, and those that are just interested in learning about chemistry.This book suits either type ofperson admirably.

While setting up a liberal arts course in chemistry(i.e., Chemistry for Non-science Majors), we previewed a number of possibletexts.This one, in my mind, stood above all the others that I looked at. There are a number of reasons why:

1.The scope - this book covers avast number of topics, from basic structure of the atom to environmentalchemistry to toxins and drugs to combustion and energy.We are designing asurvey course, and this spread is ideal.Other texts tended to focus toomuch, especially on environmental issues (e.g., the ACS's Chemistry inContext).

2.Descriptive, non-mathmatical.Since this course has noprerequisites, not even grade 10 math, we needed a book that minimisedmathematics.Other books, such as Kelter/Carr/Scott's Chemistry: World ofChoices, was too mathematical for this type of course.

3. The pictures -this book simply looks good.

Thus, if you're looking for a text for aliberal arts chemistry course, or if you just want to know more aboutchemistry and are not mathematically inclined, I would recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description
The Chemistry of Joy presents Dr. Emmons's natural approach to depression -- supplemented with medication if necessary -- blending the best of Western science and Eastern philosophy to create your body's own biochemistry of joy. Integrating Western brain chemistry, natural and Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhist psychology, and his own joyful heart techniques, Dr. Emmons creates a practical program for each of the three types of depression: anxious depression, agitated depression, and sluggish depression. The Chemistry of Joy helps you to identify which type of depression you are experiencing and provides a specific diet and exercise plan to address it, as well as nutritional supplements and "psychology of mindfulness" exercises that can restore your body's natural balance and energy. This flexible approach creates newfound joy for those whose lives have been touched by depression -- and pathways for all who seek to actively improve their emotional lives.

Download Description
The Chemistry of Joy presents Dr. Emmons's natural approach to depression -- supplemented with medication if necessary -- blending the best of Western science and Eastern philosophy to create your body's own biochemistry of joy. Integrating Western brain chemistry, natural and Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhist psychology, and his own joyful heart techniques, Dr. Emmons creates a practical program for each of the three types of depression: anxious depression, agitated depression, and sluggish depression. The Chemistry of Joy helps you to identify which type of depression you are experiencing and provides a specific diet and exercise plan to address it, as well as nutritional supplements and "psychology of mindfulness" exercises that can restore your body's natural balance and energy. This flexible approach creates newfound joy for those whose lives have been touched by depression -- and pathways for all who seek to actively improve their emotional lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great book for general public, clients, and clinicians!
This is one of the most helpful books out there for treating depression.And most of the concepts and advice are useful for anxiety as well. Easy to read, excellent illustrative examples, non repetitive, concise, and accurate.Even if you don't go in for the Eastern views on diagnosis and treatment (although I personally believe that the practice if mindfulness is one the best treatment modalities out there), the first section on understanding and taking care of your brain is well worth the price of admission alone.Thank You for this informative and innovative book!

Excellent resource
This book was very informative and an excellent resource. You learn a lot about yourself.

Very Helpful
I see Dr. Emmons as a regular patient.He is a gifted doctor and healer.His book goes on to further demonstrate his ability to combine western medicine with eastern logic only to achieve amazing results.

A Saving Grace - a must read for any one who suffers from depression/anxiety
This is a fantastic book.For anyone who has every experienced the "prisoner in you own mind" feelings that come with anxiety, this book really lends a helping hand.Like the other reviewers mentioned, it is well written and concise...but perhaps most of all, it gives you some very empowering tools amid an otherwise desperately helpless-feeling time.

Amazing Book!!!
Anyone looking to improve their lives should definetly take a look at this stuff. This book literally changed my life. Whether you suffer from mild or severe depression, the small suggestions offered in this book are priceless and very easy to follow (plus, they're fun to try).

I've spent years battling severe depression. I dropped out of college for a year, and recently ended up in the hospital with suicidal thoughts. I'm not sure if I would be here if I hadn't accidentally picked up this book. It was refreshing to find so many extra steps that I can take to improving my lifestyle, other than just medications and therapy. The book is easy to read and fascinating. Since reading this book, I've meditated daily and even sought out an ayurvedic practicioner to help me (something I would have considered "quack" science before).

These practices have kept me on track in graduate school, and many people have told me I look better than I ever have (I'd bet everything that it has to do with my better diet and meditation practices). The book was just a start, but it's the only book I've ever seen that allows that kind of start. I've read extensively on depression, and I've never learned more than I learned in one little book.

Most of all, I feel better than I've felt since I was 16 (before the depression). This book has opened new doors for me and I feel well enough to take them all!!! ... Read more

Book Description
Up-to-date preparation for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry—formerly called the SAT II: Chemistry—includes a diagnostic test and four full-length practice tests. All tests are presented with answers and explanations. Subject review chapters with additional questions and answers cover all test topics: structure of matter, states of matter, solutions, reaction types, stoichoimetry, equilibrium and reaction rates, thermodynamics, descriptive chemistry, and much more. New in this edition are explained answers for all end-of-chapter practice questions, as well as chapter objectives that guide students on what they should look for when they review each chapter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not Worth it
I paid about $12.00 for this book. But when I started doing some exercises in the book, I found out a few mistakes. I was confused. It did not help me a lot. I was not sure if it was the real Barron's book.I appreciated the fast shipping.

Ok
Again Barrons keeps to its style of writing review books that are somewhat more difficult than the actual test. Overall I think they have a good book here. Unfortunately there are some noticeable typos, wrong answers in practice exams and that sort of thing. However if you are decent, they won't be a problem and you'll benefit from the 4 practice exams in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

Authors Steven and Susan Zumdahl offer all the elements instructors need for their general chemistry course. They bring a conceptual approach to chemistry and integrate problem-solving skills throughout, helping students transition from theory to practice. A strong emphasis on models, real-world applications, and visual learning prevails throughout the text.

The Seventh Edition seamlessly integrates the strengths of the Zumdahl approach through a comprehensive and interwoven print and technology program. Enhanced Sample Exercises, online homework problems, and Classroom Response System content help instructors assess conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, while new animations and images support visual learning. In addition, Houghton Mifflin offers implementation services through our TeamUP program to help instructors and students get the most out of the text and its supplements.

• New! Reality Checks at the end of selected Sample Exercises prompt students to ensure that their answers are reasonable.
• New! The expanded art program includes new electrostatic potential maps in Chapter 8, "Bonding" that illustrate bond and molecular polarity.
• New! The redesigned For Review section now includes bulleted key concepts for the chapter, as well as review questions of which approximately 50% are new.
• New! Integrative Problems in the end-of-chapter material assess students' cumulative understanding of multiple concepts and skills presented in previous chapters. End-of-chapter questions also include collaborative Active Learning Question (formerly In-Class Discussion Questions), Exercises organized by topic, Additional Exercises not keyed by topic, integrative Challenge Problems, and comprehensive Marathon Problems.
• New! Algorithmically-generated Test Questions as well as Conceptual Questions are available in HM Testing, all coded by level of difficulty to allow instructors to more easily choose appropriate test items.
• New! Animations with assignable exercises appear on the Online Study Center and Student CD.
• New! HM ClassPresent v.3 includes new animations and videos as well as enhanced search functionality.
• Eduspace Online Learning Tool features two kinds of problems: ChemWork interactive online homework and end-of-chapter algorithmic questions with links to corresponding textbook pages and media for student reference at point of learning.

Customer Reviews (3)

If you want to study Chemistry do not get this book
I used this book for General College Chemistry and I would like to say that this is possibly the worst Textbook I have ever used. It is poorly written and is quite simply hard to follow. I would recommend that you purchase an adjunct Chemistry textbook if you are going to use this one.

Info-packed, yet convoluted...
I feel bad giving this a book a two, simply because of the quality of the information in it.It goes over everything you would ever need to know about chemistry, and in great detail...However, This textbook is exactly what the name implies, a textbook.The authors make no effort to simplify the info, they divulge all of their chemistry knowledge in a dry, monotonous format.

This is our high-schools text book for AP Chemistry. (College level chemistry offered to high-schoolers.)I'm sure this is a fantastic textbook for those simply looking for cold, hard information, but if you want something digestible, this is not it.Again, I apologize to you college students and professors who think this is a fantastic source of information.(Because it most certainly is.)

However, if you want a digestible, easy to read textbook, look into Raymond Chang's "Chemistry."This was my sister's college chemistry textbook, and I now use it in the place of our Zumdahl text...I don't feel I am doing Chang's text justice by "babying" it.It provides just as much info as the Zumdahl textbook, but in a more comfortable, and logical, format.I would choose Chang's textbook over Zumdahl any day.

Used- excelent condition never used
This book is like new because it was never really used by me. It comes with the complete solution guide ( even and odd) it the seventh edition. ... Read more

Book Description

The acknowledged leader and standard in general chemistry, this book maintains its effective and proven features—clarity of writing, scientific integrity, currency, strong exercises, visual emphasis and consistency in presentation. It offers readers an integrated educational solution to the challenges of the learning with an expanded media program that works in concert with the book, helping them to approach problem solving, visualization, and applications with greater success. Chapter topics cover: Matter and Measurement; Atoms, Molecules, and Ions; Stoichiometry: Calculations with Chemical Formulas and Equations; Aqueous Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry; Thermochemistry; Electronic Structure of Atoms; Periodic Properties of the Elements; Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding; Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories; Gases; Intermolecular Forces, Liquids, and Solids; Modern Materials; Properties of Solutions; Chemical Kinetics; Chemical Equilibrium; Acid-Base Equilibria; Additional Aspects of Equilibria; Chemistry of the Environment; Chemical Thermodynamics; Electrochemistry; Nuclear Chemistry; Chemistry of the Nonmetals; Metals and Metallurgy; Chemistry of Coordination Compounds; and The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry. For individuals interested in the study of general chemistry.

Customer Reviews (32)

Somewhat.
I didn't really read the thing, so I can't give a proper review, but I don't ever remember it being of any help during my chem class. I received a D, so, obviously, it wasn't that good. I'm retaking chem, though, maybe it'll make more since the 2nd time around and I can change this review.

Fantastic textbook
I used this textbook for my AP (high school but college-level) Chemistry course, and found it to be delightfully clear and simple reading. Everything is explained to be perfectly understandable, and after simply reading the book through and doing the exercise problems (as assigned by my teacher), I found the actual AP exam to be literally one of the easiest tests I have ever taken in my life.

Actually, in fact, I barely paid any attention in class; I simply read this book and paid half-attention in class, and simply by reading this book throughly, I was one of the best students in the class.

It is clear why my teacher said she selected this book as the best she had seen.

The best.
I definitely love to learn, but it's always a pain when the book is poorly written, this is not the case with The Central Science by Theodore Brown.I thank you and your team for writing an awesome book that students can understand.I will definitely recommend this book, and I actually want to convince the chemistry dept. at my school to change their textbook ;)Simply the best, thanks!

edit:I have been reading many of the comments left by other users saying this book is not for beginners ... and it's true.I suggest you take the class seriously and read this book thoroughly and do all the red exercises, especially the additional and integrative exercises.If you can do these exercises, I promise you'll do fine.

Excellent textbook
I am currently taking an AP chemistry course in high school and this book is really great.It explains the topics in good detail, but sticks to the point and doesn't start talking about some other topic.The explanations are really thorough and they have some really good 3-D images that help you visualize molecules better (this is useful especially for molecular bonding).Another great feature of this book is the summary they give at the end of each chapter and the numerous sample problems with FULL EXPLANATIONSfor each step you take.Unlike other chemistry books that are vague and confusing, this textbook is able to thoroughly explain subjects without all the confusing terms that you'll find in other chemistry books.

Excellent Text
I used this book in my General Chem I class a couple of years back and have since used it as a resource for my organic, biochem classes and MCAT review.The book was very easy to read compared to others and the examples were straight forward and easy to follow.The authors also attempted to include scientific/medical relevance to some of the issues covered.The most difficult chapter in the book to read is quantum theory; however, this topic is typically difficult for anyone to understand at first.

This book will be going to medical school with me this fall for sure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good practice
This book was pretty good prep. It did a good job of covering all the topics on the test, though I did have to reference the internet/ my chem textbook on several topics the book didn't cover in depth. The practice tests were fairly similar in difficulty to the actual one.Overall, my money was well spent, and it helped me to do well. ... Read more