Welcome to the world of chemistry-a world where everything around you can be traced to these incredibly tiny particles called atoms. Chemistry is the study of how atoms combine to form materials. By learning chemistry, you gain a unique perspective on what things are made of and why they behave as they do.
Chemistry is a science with a very practical outlook. By understanding and controlling the behavior of atoms, chemists have been able to produce a broad range of new and useful materials-alloys, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, polymers, computer chips, recombinant DNA, and more. These materials have raised our standards of living to unprecedented levels. Learning chemistry, therefore, is worthwhile simply because of the impact this field has on society. More important, with a background in chemistry you can judge for yourself whether or not available technologies are in harmony with the environment and with what you believe to be proper.
This book presents chemistry conceptually, focusing on the concepts of chemistry with only a minor emphasis on calculations. Though sometimes wildly bizarre, the concepts of chemistry are straightforward and accessible. What you will gain from your learning efforts may be more than new knowledge about your environment and your personal relation to it-you may improve your learning skills and become a better crtical thinker, which means being able to question that which you believe to be true. But remember, just as with any other form of training, you'll only get out of your study of chemistry as much as you put in. I enjoy chemistry and I know you can too. So, put on your boots and let's go explore this world from the perspective of its fundamental building blocks.
Good chemistry to you!