Chemistry for Dummies

by John T. Moore

Banish bafflement in this tough subject!

From formulas and lab techniques to the periodic table, Chemistry for the Utterly Confused focuses on the areas of maximum confusion and breaks down the most difficult chemistry topics into easy-to-understand concepts. This invaluable guide also teaches problem-solving skills you need to master this imposing subject. Whether you're in high school, in college, or simply brushing up on chemistry knowledge, this fun, easily accessible book will make understanding chemistry a breeze.

Genres: Science, Chemistry, Nonfiction, Reference, Education, Textbooks, German Literature

362 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

AKA trying to stay one step ahead of your offspring in a subject you know absolutely nothing about

[Ali Niazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

کتاب پایه برای اصول شیمی برای همه رشته ها می توند مناسب باشد

[Alan Bu]

It teaches a lot about the basic of chemistry.

[Mohamed Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being such an obsessed person
to catch up with my general understanding of medicine , I needed to get some of what I missed in my high school where I was not interested in knowledge for itself , but only exams.

So I have picked up chemistry

The book is well organized , Simplified and connected to ordinary life

I got about 70% of my expectations
and some unexpected ineresting things to understand

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
This book was very helpful to me. It gave me a better understanding of chemistry. I would like to read more of these.
In terms of how interesting it was, I'm not a big chemistry fan, so it wasn't the most interesting book I've ever read, but I don't regret reading it and will probably read it again as I continue doing chemistry in school.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always good to learn something new and get out of your comfort zone. This was a great book!

[Sydney King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty informational, really helped with my chemistry class and understanding basic concepts

[Jason Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are three evident parts in this review book. The first being the overall general chemistry knowledge being like what is energy or what the scientific method is. The second really gets down to the actual chemistry that we had to learn in class such as stoichiometry, periodic trends, and acid/ bases. The third section introduced how all of the information connects to the real world as in like nuclear fission or fusion, how pollution affects the air, and what is acid rain.

The first section is like before, very basic in information and is generally for those that have little or no knowledge of chemistry. The sections are set up nicely to help the newly acquainted chemistry student to jump right in. The second section involves the real grit of the class and gives many examples and diagrams to explain what is being said throughout this section. The third section is really for those that find themselves in the interest of any real-world applications or just are interested in finding out what all the stuff they just read and learned really mean to the industry.

I would rate this book as a 4.0 out of 5 for the normal chemistry student. I would rate this book as a 3.0 out of 5 for the AP chemistry student.

The reason for the 4.0 out of 5 for the regular chemistry student is that this is almost all of the information needed to complete the class and do well. However, the informal format of the book could make it a bit difficult to read and understand. The informalities may be confusing if the students are using a regular textbook for the class. The reason for the 3.0 out of 5 for the AP chemistry student is mainly due to the overall good amount of material and many different methods to solving problems, however, again the informal format might not be the best as well as focuses more on the people behind these theories and different diagrams. As seen from many AP Chemistry tests the people behind these theories and diagrams are not mentioned frequently enough to need a page for each person. The content that those scientists completed, however, is still very relevant to learn and understand. Something that I would recommend to change would be to make more of the book content covered in the class and not 1/3 of the book be about the real-world applications.

Overall, I would recommend this book to any student looking for some help in a chemistry course and is looking to learn more about real-world applications to the science. You may want to get help from a teacher first since they are the best and usually free information. :-) Enjoy!

[Violeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Chemistry for Dummies was the perfect way to finish up my pharmacology class and dive into chemistry just for the sheer enjoyment of it. The book was a fun, accessible way to deepen my understanding of concepts I’d already learned, while also introducing fresh ideas in a clear and simple manner. What I really appreciated was how it broke down tricky topics like atomic structure and chemical reactions without overwhelming me. It helped me see just how connected chemistry is to everything in our daily lives, including the medications we use. The straightforward explanations and real-world examples made everything feel much more relevant and approachable. And, of course, it had its fun moments too—like this one: “I told a chemistry joke once, but I got no reaction.”

[Michelle Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for all scientific disciplines!

This book is a must-read for every level of study. Whether you’re in high school, university, post-grad, or writing a book. You will need this primer. I myself am studying for a planned MSc in another subject and found this book vital to my background reading. You’ll keep a copy of this for life I can assure you!

Chemistry for Dummies

John T. Moore

[Graham Cammock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Chemistry was my only D grade for my GCSEs in 1996 so I wanted to correct my erroneous ways as a teenager which I believe I have accomplished. Chemistry is not too hard, although I am only studying for general knowledge. To truly grasp the mathematics and equations in detail would be a lot harder. The book is written well and is very clear. I have learned so much that I did not know before hand, such as atomic structure and the difference between nuclear fission and fusion. I highly recommend this book!

[Bek Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

A useful tool for understanding the basic concepts of chemistry. It provides the reader with a rote learning to understand chemicals and chemistry. I found it an easy-read considering I do not have an understanding of hard science. This is my first for dummies book and I think the books need more praise for the well and easy to learn ideas.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview for chemistry concepts-- used this book to review concepts from general chemistry first semester college for the mcat.

A lot of the calculations need a calculator however, which the MCAT does not allow.
There is some extra stuff in there that I skipped-- a couple chapters about chemistry in the world. If i wasn't strictly reading for the MCAT I would've read those chapters.

[La lepisma libraia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I meant to give it 3 stars, but there are some interesting inputs in the chapter on Environmental Chemistry. As a complete beginner, I found its learning curve too steep. It's a good book, but it's not really for dummies.

[Mark Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a “Dummies” book. It served its purpose as a refresher but unlike other Dummies books I’ve read it glossed over many important details. For the full scoop I will have to consult an actual text book. Scary thought. 😉

[Paulina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing more than I have been taught in my school.

[Paul Edlund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should have read "Chemistry for Complete Morons"!

[Johan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for beginners, or for people who haven't touched the subject in like 3 decades.
One of the better for dummies books.

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mi mente no da para tanto, lo leí todo y me di cuenta de que a mi cerebro no le gusta aprender esto.

[Citybones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo empecé a leer para prepararme para el cliclo superior y la verdad es que como repaso ayudó. Tiene un lenguaje simple y ameno y cubre un buen rango de temario.

[Mufaro Chikuruwo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey guys...can you please assist me on how to open these books... just joined today and it's confusing

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Its funny, when hovering over the stars and choosing a rating, 'really liked it' to my mind isn't really appropriate for a textbook. Interesting or useful would be a better way of looking at it but I was surprised at how quick a read this was - (over the months I have been picking it up). I bought this to prepare myself for an introduction to Chemistry class having no conception of and a deep-rooted fear of the subject. To a degree, it did help, introducing concepts such as electrons and stoichiometry that weren't on my radar.

In my course, however, we have focused a great deal more on some subjects that this book only skates over. Unit analysis for example, is a major part of my course, yet this book only has an appendix devoted to it. I can't speak for other courses though so keep this in mind as only a potential issue.

This was my first introduction to the 'Dummy' series and if the others are as accessible as this one then that bodes well. There were still topics by the end of the chapter that I hadn't grasped fully but I don't think any book is a substitute for a good teacher and I am lucky enough to have one of those.
Ultimately, this is a good starting point but not meant to replace a 16 week chemistry class. As long as you go into it knowing that, this is a clearly written and, dare I say 'enjoyable' introduction to the subject.

[Eddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Due to the lack of teachers at my school at the time and the actual teacher having a critical health condition (she's fine, she recovered the same year), I went almost a whole year without chemistry classes. This really only caught up to me when starting my physics studies at university, where chemistry was a mandatory course.
I read this book in preparation for the lecture and the exam, but that turned out to be somewhat unnecessary. It's good to get a direct grasp of chemistry, some sort of intuition for what the professor is going to talk about, but nothing more. I don't think I have put myself in an advantage over the students who didn't read it, but I surely didn't put myself in a disadvantageous position.

For the chemistry affine reader, who just happens to not have had an education in STEM or who is yet to have it, i.e. you're an 8th grader or know someone who is, this book is great. It introduces you to the generalities and the type of stuff you'll have to deal with. For someone already in STEM... well... it's a tad bit too imprecise at times, but manages to keep you entertained. With a B.Sc. in physics, going for a master's, i still manage to enjoy parts of the writing and the didactics.

Verdict:
For me now: 3/5
For me 10 years ago: 5/5

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chemistry is the core of all science. Chemistry For Dummies is an informative book by John T Moore. Chemistry For Dummies has the element of organization. "Each chapter is self-contained, so feel free to skip around.", this is a great book to read if you are taking Chemistry, because you don't need to read it in chronological order. If you are reading it for fun, you can still learn while skipping the boring parts.
Another effective element of Chemistry For Dummies is the detail. "Kinetic energy is energy of motion." Every topic this book is very descriptive, so the reader will learn a lot about chemistry. This book has lots of references, such as "See chapter 14 for more information", so the reader won't be confused.
Chemistry For Dummies is a perfect introduction for those wanting to learn science. I recommend anyone taking a chemistry course to buy this book at a bookstore or get it at a library.

R-1

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book after I started my first week of AP Chemistry. This book was great at explaining the basics of each area in Chemistry so I could focus more time on the more difficult areas. It also explained some things differnetly then my teacher and textbook, which made my life a whole lot easier. This isn't a book that you can use to study for the AP chemistry exam by itself because it's just the basics, but it is still a great tool to use to start studying for the exam and a quick review.

[Midgets Head · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am actually a person who is a big fan of the "For Dummies" books. I was taking, and failing chemistry when I found this book. As an intro it helped me make sense of what I was supposed to be getting taught. After going through it, I was able to catch up to the rest of the class and learn further to a minor in chemistry. My major of Computer science was helped along by learning to program because of a for dummies book. They are good books to learn introductory parts of what you want to learn.

[Rob Schumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a solid supplement for an introductory chemistry class.
Depending on the professor's methods and the textbook used it may gloss over some topics, but overall it's more concise and direct than any textbook on the topic I've owned. Just based on that it's worth a purchase for a student or someone who'd like a simply explained, yet simultaneously comprehensive overview of elementary topics in chemistry. Definitely recommend.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book when I signed up for Intro to Chemistry. I'm weak in math and Chemistry was full of it. I've never purchase or read any of the whatever for dummies books. I needed this book to simplify what I read in the textbook and what the teacher was talking about. I read, understood and I'll like to add I got an A out of this class. Believe in yourself, you can do it!

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really a helpful and complementary book to my Chemistry course, and I'm only taking a star off since the calculations in the book were a pain to get through and could have been simplified way more then they were.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't even remember if I ever took chemistry in the first place. Maybe junior high. This is definitely the level of chemistry reading I need.