Chemistry: Atoms First

Chemistry: Atoms First is a peer-reviewed, openly licensed introductory textbook produced through a collaborative publishing partnership between OpenStax and the University of Connecticut and UConn Undergraduate Student Government Association. This text is an atoms-first adaptation of OpenStax Chemistry. The intention of “atoms-first” involves a few basic principles: first, it introduces atomic and molecular structure much earlier than the traditional approach, and it threads these themes through subsequent chapters. This approach may be chosen as a way to delay the introduction of material such as stoichiometry that students traditionally find abstract and difficult, thereby allowing students time to acclimate their study skills to chemistry. Additionally, it gives students a basis for understanding the application of quantitative principles to the chemistry that underlies the entire course. It also aims to center the study of chemistry on the atomic foundation that many will expand upon in a later course covering organic chemistry, easing that transition when the time arrives.

This is the highest-quality affordably-priced printed OpenStax textbook available. As OpenStax's premier print partner, XanEdu prints all OpenStax textbooks in hardcover full-color versions, and a paperback version with B&W interior pages. The hardcover and paperback versions are exactly the same as the free OpenStax digital textbook which is available for free digital download at the OpenStax website, but as many students prefer the convenience of a printed textbook, we work directly with OpenStax to provide affordable print textbook options for students.

Full description of this book and additional free teacher and student materials are found at https://openstax.org/subjects.