Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity Gabriela C. Weaver, John C. Kotz Sixth Edition

Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity 6th Edition is the premiere textbook for AP Chemistry and college introductory chemistry. The book offers detailed explanations and clear diagrams that allow students to dive into chemistry. Mathematical formulas such as the ideal gas law are often derived for students in a way that students can actually relate to. The book offers step-by-step examples for using formulas and homework problems that actually mirror the given examples. Math and phenomenon go hand-in-hand in this book.
The book’s chapters are well organized. Many AP Chemistry classes can follow the order of the chapters without much “skipping around”.

The book has few downsides. For AP Chemistry, the book covers some topics and goes into areas not needed for the AP exam. Chapter 11 on organic chemistry is guilty of this. Experienced AP Chemistry teachers will be aware of this. Many new chemistry students will find the pace of the book challenging (especially in the beginning). Elementary chemical concepts (stoichiometry, etc) that are crucial if one is to dive deeper into chemistry is often speed-ed though. However, most students will probably have taken a prior chemistry course in High School that cover such basic topics.