I really have no idea what others are talking about, because my experience with Chemistry Zumdahl 7th Edition has been the complete opposite. I think this is one of the best chem books I've ever had the pleasure of using. In AP Chem, the first textbook the class used was very convoluted and confusing, and did not have nearly as many diagrams. Halfway through, we started using this text and it made everything so much easier and clearer, especially the acid/base equilibrium chemistry. Chemistry Zumdahl 7th Edition, for example, includes many examples of different weak/strong acid/base combinations, and how to calculate the pH, etc, what happens when a strong base is added, and whatnot. It gives a very easy to follow outline that works for each problem, and how to think about it intuitively (like what the interactions of the ions that are present in solution will be). Maybe the other sections aren't as good? Chemistry Zumdahl 7th Edition is very comprehensive. As a 3rd year undergrad at a top university, I still find myself referencing this book before delving into my chemistry texts, as a refresher on the basic principles first. If you think it is sort of dry to read (which I don't notice), I would much rather a clear, straight-to-the-point text that tells me exactly how to think about problems, than some kind of chemistry novel.
Product Details
Hardcover: 1056 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 7 edition (2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 061852844X
ISBN-13: 978-0618528448
Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.5 x 1.6 inches
