Discovery

CHEMISTRY: A SENIOR COURSE by A.H. Wooff, T.R. Hitching and R.C. Rendle; Longman Paul, 1992, reprinted 1993; 564 pp; $59.95 (Teacher's Guide available, $91.50)

Reviewed by Alex Houliston

The language and layout of this book makes this a suitable text for Year 13 chemistry students and teachers alike. While not particularly New Zealand flavoured it is written by New Zealand teachers with the national chemistry syllabus in mind.

It is a practically based book and as such provides valuable information on technique, equipment, and calculation where appropriate. Each chapter presents the essentials for this level and is clearly set out. Text is broken up by mainly line drawings, tables and a few black and white photographs. A more eye-catching approach would have included coloured photographs which apparently may have been intended as in they were mentioned in the acknowledgements but do not actually appear. While the initial appearance may not immediately attract students, the uncluttered layout would be appreciated during a year's study.

Two pages devoted to Marie Curie and her family are included, which provide interesting details. The famous New Zealand scientist Rutherford however receives passing references only in appropriate chapters. The work of van der Waals, Joseph Priestly, Louis Pasteur, Mendeleev and many others are described briefly and informatively. It is a pity these names are not included in the otherwise good index.

Topics covered give an excellent grounding for students proceeding to higher level studies as well as maintaining interest for those completing chemistry at this level. Unusually, coverage begins with Titrimetric Analysis, followed by chapters which include Equilibrium Constants, Acids and Bases, Organic and Functional Group Chemistry and Polymers.

There are plenty of suitable problems at the end of each chapter. Students and teachers would appreciate the clearly worked sample problems, experimental results analysis and the regular use of chemical equations or molecular structures.

As a bulky book, but not excessively so, students might be reluctant to always carry this book but it is certainly an excellent book for home reference and for use in the classroom, giving more than enough material to cope with during a Year 13 chemistry course.

Alex Houliston teaches chemistry at Christchurch Girls' High School