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Introductory Chemistry: Atoms First, 5th edition

Published by Pearson (January 2, 2014) © 2015

  • Steve Russo Cornell University
  • Michael E. Silver Hope College

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For introductory, preparatory, basic chemistry courses.

An atoms-first approach to introductory chemistry

Russo and Silver's Introductory Chemistry incorporates an atoms-first approach, guiding students to start learning chemistry from the building blocks of matter before they progress to understanding complex chemistry concepts. The text emphasizes quantitative skills and conceptual knowledge to help students develop a true understanding of chemistry rather than encouraging rote memorization.

The 5th Edition engages students with new chapter-opening vignettes related to the chapter content and offers a wide range of opportunities for students to practice their understanding of key concepts.

Hallmark features of this title

  • WorkPatches shift students to active learning by asking them to practice what they're learning and to think about what they just read before going on.
  • End-of-chapter material features hundreds of problems, including a section of problems that synthesizes material across chapters.
  • Abundant atomic and molecular depictions embedded into the narrative help students visualize concepts. 
  • Applications include broad examples from nutrition and the atmosphere, as well as specific examples such as DNA modification and corrosion to depict chemistry. 
  • Skills-to-Know summaries explain the quantitative and problem-solving skills in each chapter, complete with worked examples.
  • One Step Beyond sections ask students to give additional thought to chapter content.

New and updated features of this title

  • Chapter-opening vignettes offer fun and interesting glimpses at material that relates to the chapter content, incorporating new photos that make the material relevant to students' lives.
  • Learning Outcomes appear in a table at the start of each end-of-chapter review section for each section of the chapter and correlate to the end-of-chapter problems. The learning outcomes consist of goals and skills the student should learn and practice before moving on to the next chapter.
  • All-new Concept Questions allow students to reflect on the learning goals of the chapter.
  • All-new One More Thing feature takes chapter concepts further with discussions of buffers, nonstoichiometric compounds, isotopes and mass spectrometers.

Features of Mastering Chemistry for the 5th Edition

  • WorkPatch problems are now interactive. Students can now access hints digitally via Mastering Chemistry for additional opportunities to practice their understanding of key concepts, while instructors can incorporate the conceptual checks into their lecture strategies.
  • Hundreds of End-of-chapter questions include a section of problems that synthesizes material across chapters and are assignable in Mastering Chemistry.
  • Enhanced end-of-chapter questions provide personalized feedback when and where students need it, including wrong-answer feedback for homework assignments.
  • The Chemistry Primer helps students remediate chemistry math skills and prepare for their first college chemistry course. Pre-built Assignments can be assigned before the course begins or as just-in-time remediation to ensure students practice and maintain their math skills.
  1. What is Chemistry?
  2. The Numerical Side of Chemistry
  3. The Evolution of Atomic Theory
  4. The Modern Model of the Atom
  5. Chemical Bonding and Nomenclature
  6. The Shape of Molecules
  7. Intermolecular Forces and the Phases of Matter
  8. Chemical Reactions
  9. Stoichiometry and the Mole
  10. Electron Transfer in Chemical Reactions
  11. What If There Were No Intermolecular Forces? The Ideal Gas
  12. Solutions
  13. When Reactants Turn into Products
  14. Chemical Equilibrium
  15. Electrolytes, Acids, and Bases
  16. Nuclear Chemistry
  17. The Chemistry of Carbon
  18. Synthetic and Biological Polymers

About our authors

Mike Silver is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Hope College. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Farleigh Dickinson University and his Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from Cornell University. He is also a member of the American Chemical Society and past president of the West Michigan Section and a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. He has received the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research and the Provost's Award for Teaching Excellence.

Steve Russo has taken an early retirement as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Cornell University and is now teaching Chemistry part time at Ithaca College. Prior to that, he was an Assistant Professor at Indiana University. While there, he designed and implemented a state-of-the-art computer resource center for the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. He received his B.S. in chemistry from St. Francis College, and his Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from Cornell University. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and has been a recipient of the Dupont Teaching Award, Clark Teaching Awards while at Cornell University, and an Amoco Distinguished Teaching Award from Indiana University.

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