Preface
The concept of University Chemistry grew from my experiences in teaching
Honors General Chemistry at the University of Kansas for a number of semesters. It is
my attempt to inform and challenge the well-prepared student to discover and learn the
diverse but related topics within general chemistry. This text includes the core topics that
are necessary for a solid foundation of chemistry.
The Basic Features

Organization—In this text, I adopt a “Molecular to Macroscopic” approach in
which the quantum theory of atomic and molecular structure and interaction is
outlined in Chapters 1 – 4. Building on this molecular foundation the presentation
moves on to the macroscopic concepts such as states of matter, thermodynamics,
physical and chemical equilibrium and chemical kinetics. This organization is
based on “natural prerequisites”; that is, the position of each topic is determined
by what other topics would be required to be understood it. For example, to
understand the structure and interaction of atoms and molecules, knowledge of
thermodynamics or equilibrium chemistry is not needed; whereas, to understand
deeply the application of thermodynamics to chemical systems or the material
properties of liquids and solids, knowledge of how energy is stored in chemical
bonds and how molecular structure and bonding affect intermolecular forces is
desirable.

Calculus based presentation— Where appropriate, calculus is used in presenting
chemical concepts in quantum theory, thermodynamics, and kinetics. The level of
calculus is similar to that in other chemistry texts at this level; however, it is not,
as is often done, relegated to secondary boxed text, but is integrated into the
primary discussion. To supplement this approach, a few calculus-based problems
are included in each of the relevant chapters. Appendix 1 includes a short
review/tutorial of the basic concepts from elementary differential and integral
calculus.

Problem-Solving Model—Worked Examples are provided in every chapter for
students to use a base for learning problem solving around the concept discussed.
The examples present the problem, a strategy, a solution, a check, and a practice
problem. Every problem is designed to challenge the student to think logically
through the problems. This problem-solving approach is used throughout the text.
Organization and Presentation

Review— Students with a strong background in high-school chemistry have
already been exposed to the concepts of the structure/classification of matter,
chemical nomenclature and stoichiometry. Because of this assumed background, I
have condensed the standard introductory chapters in a typical general chemistry
text into a single chapter (Chapter 0). Chapter 0 provides the student a refresher
of the subject matter they covered in their high school chemistry courses.

Early coverage of quantum theory—To lay a molecular-level foundation for the
later chapters on states of mater, thermodynamics and equilibrium, the quantum
theory of atoms and molecules is treated early on. In Chapters 1 and 2, elementary
quantum theory is used to discuss the electronic structure of atoms and the
construction of the periodic table. Chapters 3 and 4 cover molecular bonding,
structure and interaction, including molecular-orbital theory. In a change from
most general chemistry texts, intermolecular forces are discussed at the end of the
chapter on molecular structure (Chapter 4) instead of being part of a later chapter
on liquids and solids. This is a more natural position that allows for a molecularlevel discussion of the forces that influence real gas behavior in Chapter 5.

States of Matter—Phase diagrams, equations of state and states of matter (gases,
liquids and solids) are treated in a unified manner in Chapters 5 and 6, with an
emphasis on the role of molecular interaction in the determination of material
properties.

Thermochemistry, Entropy and Free Energy—The basic principles of
thermodynamics are treated together in Chapters 7 (thermochemistry) and 8
(entropy and free energy). This allows for a more sophisticated discussion of
physical and chemical equilibrium from a thermodynamic perspective. In
particular, the central role of the entropy and free energy of mixing in colligative
properties and chemical equilibrium is explored in detail.

Physical and Chemical Equilibrium—The principles of physical equilibrium
(phase boundary prediction and solubility) are discussed in Chapter 9, followed
by a discussion of chemical equilibrium in Chapter 10. Chapters 11, 12 and 13
present applications of chemical equilibrium to acid-base chemistry, aqueous
equilibria and electrochemistry, respectively.

Chemical Kinetics —Unlike many General Chemistry texts, chemical kinetics
(Chapter 14) follows the presentation of chemical equilibrium, allowing for full
discussion of transition-state theory and detailed balance.

Final chapters—Chemistry of Transitions Metals (Chapter 15), Organic and
Polymer Chemistry (Chapter 16) and Nuclear Chemistry (Chapter 17) are each an
entity of itself. Every instructor and student can choose to assign and study the
chapters according to time and preference.
Pedagogy
Problem-Solving.
The development of problem-solving skills is a major objective of this text. Each
problem is broken down into learning steps for the student to increase their skill set on
logical critical thinking skills. When appropriate, calculus is used in the problem-solving
of chemical process in quantum theory, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
There are numerous end-of-chapter problems to continue skill building and then practice
solving problems. Many of these same problems are in the electronic homework
program, ARIS, providing a seamless homework solution for the student and instructor.
Text
ARIS
End-of-Chapter Material.
At the end of every chapter, you will find a summary of all the material that was
presented in the chapter to use as a study tool. The summary provides the highlight of
each section within the chapter. Key Words are also listed along with the page on which
the term was introduced as reference.
Applications
Throughout the text, applications are used to reinforce students’ grasps for concepts and
principles and to provide grounding to real-world experiences. The applications focus on
key industrial chemicals, drugs and technological advances in chemistry.
360° Development Process
A key principle in the development of any chemistry text is its ability to adapt to teaching
specifications in a universal way. The only way to do so is by contacting those universal
voices—and learning from their suggestions.
We are confident that our book has the most current content the industry has to offer, thus
pushing our desire for accuracy and up-to-date information to the highest standard
possible. In order to accomplish this, we have moved through an arduous road to
production. Extensive and open-minded advice is critical in the production of a superior
text.
Here is a brief overview of the initiatives included in the 360° Development Process of
University Chemistry, First Edition by Brian B. Laird.
Symposia
Every year McGraw-Hill conducts a general chemistry symposium which is attended by
instructors from across the country. These events are an opportunity for editors from
McGraw-Hill to gather information about the needs and challenges of instructors
teaching these courses. This information helped to create the book plan for University
Chemistry. They also offer a forum for the attendees to exchange ideas and experiences
with colleagues they might have not otherwise met.
Manuscript Review Panels
Over 50 teachers and academics from across the country and internationally reviewed the
various drafts of the manuscript to give feedback on content, pedagogy, and organization.
This feedback was summarized by the book team and used to guide the direction of the
text.
Developmental Editing
In addition to being influenced by a distinguished chemistry author, the development of
this manuscript was impacted by three freelance developmental editors. The first edit in
early draft stage was completed by an editor who holds a PhD in chemistry, John
Murdzek. Katie Aiken and Lucy Mullins went through the manuscript line-by-line
offering suggestions on writing style and pedagogy.
Accuracy Check and Class Test
Cindy Bierre at the University of Kansas worked hand-in-hand with the author checking
his work and providing detailed comments to him as she and her students did a twosemester class test of the manuscript. The students provided the author with comments
on how to improve the manuscript so the content was acceptable to their variety of
learning styles.
Shawn Phillips at Vanderbilt University reviewed the entire manuscript after the
developmental edit was completed and checked all the content for accuracy and provided
the author suggestions for further improvement.
A select group reviewed manuscripts and art in draft and final form, review page proofs
in first and revised rounds, and oversaw the writing and accuracy check of the
instructor’s solutions manuals, test bank, and other ancillary materials.
List of Applications
Distribution of Elements on Earth and in Living Systems
18
Important Experimental Technique: The Mass Spectrometer
46
Laser—The Splendid Light
92
Important Experimental Technique: Electron Microscopy
109
The Third Liquid Element?
156
Discovery of the Noble Gases
163
Major Experimental Technique: Microwave Spectroscopy
186
Just Say NO
198
Major Experimental Technique: Infrared Spectroscopy
238
cis-trans Isomerization in the Vision Process
254
Buckyball, Anyone?
262
Super-Cold Atoms
316
Why Do Lakes Freeze from the Top Down?
340
High- Temperature Superconductors
358
Fuel Values of Foods and Other Substances
390
The Efficiency of Heat Engines: The Carnot Cycle
438
The Thermodynamics of a Rubber Band
456
The Killer Lake
483
Life at High Altitudes and Hemoglobin Production
545
Antacids and the pH Balance in Your Stomach
602
Maintaining the pH of Blood
620
Dental Filling Discomfort
680
Femtochemistry
753
Coordination Compounds in Living Systems
784
Cisplatin—an Anticancer Drug
795
Important Experimental Technique: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy 824
Sickle Cell Anemia: A Molecule Disease
840
DNA Fingerprinting
843
Nature’s Own Fission Reactor
881
Food Irradiation
888