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A Guide to the Elements Summary

A Guide to the Elements by Albert Stwertka (Professor Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, United States Merchant Marine Academy)

Newly updated throughout, and now covering 118 elements, this crystal-clear guide to the periodic table illuminates the basic concepts of chemistry as it traces the history and development of our knowledge of the material world. In this fascinating volume, Albert Stwertka makes complex ideas and terms easily understandable, drawing upon engaging historical anecdotes and everyday examples to clarify the text, which is complemented by numerous illustrations, many in full color. Since the second edition, many new elements have been named and discovered, including Darmstadtium, Roentgenium, and Copernicium, and the elements currently called Ununtrium, Ununpentium, Ununhexium, Ununseptium, and Ununoctium. The third edition provides thorough coverage of all these new discoveries. In addition to the new elements, Stwertka has brought the information about the elements in the second edition up-to-date, based on the latest research. He discusses a cylindrical molecule of carbon known as a nanotube, which has become a do-all wonder substance, touted for use in everything from X-ray machines to paint. A new form of the element boron has been found that is nearly as hard as diamond. Its superior heat resistance could make it attractive for certain industrial uses. And a new particle detector using ultra-pure liquid xenon has been constructed beneath 5,000 feet of rock in Italy to detect dark matter. Stwertka also covers the 2010 Nobel-winning work on graphene, an ultrathin form of carbon that is vital for future generations of computers and touch screens, the discovery of new superconductors, and the development of new uses for the rare earth elements. Bringing the periodic table into the 21st century, this engrossing guide to the elements will fascinate everyone curious about the basic building blocks of the material world.

A Guide to the Elements Reviews

Acclaim for previous editions: An indispensable resource for middle and high school students and teachers....With its up-to-date entries and easy-to-read style, [Elements] belongs in every science classroom, chemistry lab, and school and public library.--Science Books & Films An excellent introductory resource.--School Library Journal A succinct introduction to the chemical elements....This one-volume reference is a handy compendium that will complement the science collection of any school or public library.--Library Journal

About Albert Stwertka (Professor Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, United States Merchant Marine Academy)

Albert Stwertka is Professor Emeritus at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He is the author of numerous books on science and math, including The World of Atoms and Quarks, Recent Revolutions in Physics, Recent Revolutions in Mathematics, and Physics: From Newton to the Big Bang.

Table of Contents

The Periodic Table ; The Elements [one entry per element, in period table order] ; Glossary ; Chronology ; Further Reading ; Websites ; Index

Additional information

GOR005822813
9780199832521
0199832528
A Guide to the Elements by Albert Stwertka (Professor Emeritus, Professor Emeritus, United States Merchant Marine Academy)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Oxford University Press
20120426
256
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - A Guide to the Elements