Product Description

The Penguin Dictionary of Chemistry is the ideal source of information for students of all sciences at any level, and for anyone who encounters chemical terms in the course of their everyday work. Comprehensive and packed with vital information, the latest edition also takes account of recent developments in this key subject area.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #72261 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-05
• Format: Abridged
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

From the Publisher

Some sample entries:

CHEMILUMINESCENCE

The emission of light during a chemical reaction. e.g. the oxidation of yellow phosphorus. The light emitted by the fire-fly or glow-worm, and luminous combustion, are examples of this very common phenomenon. Used analytically and in `light studies' where a reaction gives an active intermediate which transfers energy to a dyestuff which fluoresces under the influence of the absorbed energy.

GOLD, STANDARD

Pure gold is too soft for use as ornaments or for coinage, and is alloyed with copper or silver, or both. The fineness is expressed either in parts per thousand, or in carats. Pure gold is 24 carat fine, and the five standard alloys of 22, 18, 15, 12 and 9 carats, i.e. parts of gold in 24 of alloy, are legalized.

NATURAL GAS

Gas obtained from underground accumulations which may or may not be directly associated with crude oil. Such gas would normally contain at least 90% methane and other low-boiling hydrocarbons, the remainder being nitrogen and carbon dioxide. When natural gas is associated with crude oil it frequently contains appreciable amounts of higher hydrocarbons, pentanes, hexanes, etc., and is referred to as wet gas. Used as a fuel and raw material.

About the Author
D. W. A. Sharp was formerly Professor of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow. He has edited Miall's Dictionary, and all three editions of the Dictionary of Chemistry, and written many papers for learned journals in his field. He lives in Glasgow.

Customer Reviews

Definitions galore
Simple and concise explanations of terminology used in the study of chemistry. This book is a useful referrence to anyone studying chemistry, particularly for 1st year degree students. It is a great starting point in understanding complex ideas and helps with focusing on the key issues.

Chemistry can be intersting too!
This book is not bedtime reading. It's a crutch when you start to study unfamiliar or forgotten subjects. Going back to study in middle age I found that the clear and concise descriptions in the book made studying significantly easier, as the language used is plain and simple. At any level of study this book is a useful tool, especially as you get older and the memory fades. especially as you get older and the memory fades.