Applied Chemistry

Introduction

“Applied Chemistry” by Oleg Roussak and H. D. Gesser is a comprehensive textbook designed for second-year engineering students at the University of Manitoba. The book covers a range of topics in applied chemistry, with an emphasis on practical applications and hands-on experiments. In this review, I will provide an overview of the book’s content, structure, and strengths.

Content and Structure

The book is divided into 18 chapters, each of which covers a specific topic in applied chemistry. The topics covered include chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Each chapter begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by a detailed explanation of key concepts and principles. The authors use a combination of text, diagrams, and equations to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Strengths

One of the major strengths of “Applied Chemistry” is its clear and concise writing style. The authors use simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon, making the text accessible to students with a range of backgrounds and levels of experience. The book also includes numerous examples and practice problems, which help students to reinforce their understanding of the material.

Another strength of the book is its emphasis on practical applications. The authors provide numerous examples of how the concepts covered in each chapter can be applied in real-world situations. This approach helps students to see the relevance of the material they are learning and motivates them to engage with the content.

Finally, the inclusion of experiments and a solutions manual is a valuable asset for students. The experiments are well-designe and use equipment that is readily available in most chemistry labs. The solutions manual provides students with a valuable resource for checking their work and identifying areas where they need additional help.

Weaknesses

One potential weakness of the book is its focus on applied chemistry. While this focus is a strength in many ways. It may not be appropriate for students who are interest in pursuing more theoretical or research-based work in chemistry. Additionally, the book does not cover all of the topics that might be include in a traditional chemistry course. Which could be a drawback for students who need a more comprehensive text.

Another potential weakness of the book is the level of detail. While the authors do an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. Some students may find that the book lacks the level of detail they need to fully understand the material. This could be a particular issue for students who are struggling with the material or who have limited prior experience with chemistry.

Conclusion

Overall, “Applied Chemistry” by Oleg Roussak and H. D. Gesser is an excellent textbook for second-year engineering students. The book’s clear and concise writing style, emphasis on practical applications, and inclusion of experiments. A solutions manual make it a valuable resource for students who are learning about applied chemistry. While the book’s focus on applied chemistry and level of detail may not be appropriate for all students. It is an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive introduction to the subject.