Newly updated throughout, and covering all 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 third edition, six new elements have been officially named, including nihonium, moscovium, and tennessine. The fourth edition provides thorough coverage of these new developments and the latest discoveries, including updated versions of all 119 periodic tables found within the volume. Stwertka has brought the information about the elements in the third edition up-to-date, based on the most recent research. He discusses the newest applications of the elements in the fields of astronomy, aviation, and computer technology--from nanomedicine's use of platinum to battle cancer to the role of lithium in powering Tesla cars. 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.

About the Author
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.

Reviews
A Guide to the Elements can be very useful for the chemistry teacher. Besides, providing excellent background on elements he or she may not be very familiar with (and others more familiar as well), it can be a starting place for students in the communication and application goals of the Ontario curriculum. * LYLE SADAVOY, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CHEM13 NEWS MAGAZINE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190682347
Author Albert Stwertka
Format Hardback
Page Count 264
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 907g
Dimensions(mm) 257mm * 183mm * 20mm