The Joy of Chemistry

The Joy of Chemistry

“Joy” and “chemistry” in the same phrase? Trust us: The Joy of Chemistry delivers on the promise of its title. In this delightful book, Cathy Cobb and Monty Fetterolf explore the magic inherent in chemistry, from the fascination of fall foliage and fireworks, to the functioning of smoke detectors and computers, to the fundamentals of digestion and combustion. And they illustrate it all with hands-on experiments that you can perform using easily procurable materials. The book consists of two main sections: Part I presents the fundamental principles of chemistry while Part II discusses various applications. We begin by looking at the atomic structure of the elements, and then progress through acids and bases, chemical bonding, the various types of chemical reactions, and a range of other chemical phenomena. The lessons continue in the book's second part with perspectives on the development of recyclable materials, the creation of fuel cells, the use of chemistry in forensic science, and more. These lessons offer a host of unexpected connections, such as the link between automobile exhaust to acid-base chemistry and the connection between paint and photochemistry. But those lessons are only part of the book's joy. Every chapter is fleshed out with detailed example sections that reveal chemistry's workings in areas from semiconductors to pizza to flush toilets. Finally, the 23 demonstrations in the book let you experience the action of chemistry up close and personal. These demonstrations literally begin with a bang, i.e., a bottle rocket: using such materials as a paper towel, baking soda, a plastic soda bottle, and vinegar, you can create a very satisfying reaction. Other demonstrations in these pages let you deflect the water from your kitchen faucet using static electricity; use superglue to preserve fingerprints for later analysis; employ slices of potato to study osmosis; and more. For each demonstration, the authors explain exactly what's going on and offer safety tips. Complete with a “shopping list” of materials you'll need to perform the book's demonstrations, The Joy of Chemistry proves that there's excitement to be found in every molecule of your surroundings.

Hardcover: 330 pages

Publisher: Prometheus Books ( February 15, 2005 )

Item #: 35-8212

ISBN: 1591022312

Product Dimensions: 6.0 x 9.0 x 0.75 inches

Product Weight: 24.0 ounces