General Interest
What's it about?
This concise, easy-to-read book outlines the basic principles needed to understand the chemical mechanisms of explosion. Covering detonation, deflagration, initiation, the latest theories on the production of "hotspots", thermochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, the text includes detailed formulations and reactions presented with thermochemical calculations to aid understanding.
Why do I want to read it?
The Chemistry of Explosives is a unique text which introduces difficult subjects in a readable manner.
Where can I find it?
541.3 AKH in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library
What's it about?
Light in style, this collection of essays about chemists and their discoveries will interest scientists, teachers, historians and laypeople.
Why do I want to read it?
A collection of 42 essays about chemists and their discoveries over a 200 year period.
Where can I find it?
540.903 BRO in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library
What's it about?
Why does cooking bacon smell so good? Can cheese really give you bad dreams? Why do onions make you cry?
Why do I want to read it?
The book has amazing graphics and explanations which reveal the weird science behind our everyday food and drink.
Where can I find it?
664 BRU in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library
What's it about?
While this book will not advise you what to do if you want to improve your looks, your health, your peace of mind, or your sex life, it does explain the science behind many of the products that claim to be able to do just that. It looks at a range of products and ingredients that impinge on our everyday life and explains in plain language how 30 commonly encountered chemicals work, and how and why we use them.
Why do I want to read it?
The author offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes account of 30 chemicals that we use everyday to make ourselves more beautiful, to improve our diet and sexual pleasure, to kill germs, and to ward off depression and other mental illnesses.
Where can I find it?
546 EMS in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library
What's it about?
Why did Gandhi hate iodine (I, 53)? Why did the Japanese kill Godzilla with missiles made of cadmium (Cd, 48)? How did radium (Ra, 88) nearly ruin Marie Curie's reputation? And why did tellurium (Te, 52) lead to the most bizarre gold rush in history?
Why do I want to read it?
The book has a lively history of the elements and the characters behind their discovery.
Where can I find it?
540.9 KEA in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library
What's it about?
By tackling the most central ideas in chemistry, Why Chemical Reactions Happen provides the reader with all the tools and concepts needed to think like a chemist. To understand how chemical reactions happen we need to know about the bonding in molecules, how molecules interact, what determines whether an interaction is favorable or not, and what the outcome will be.
Why do I want to read it?
In this book all of the topics are presented in a coherent and coordinated fashion, showing how each leads to a deeper understanding of chemical reactions.
Where can I find it?
541.3 KEE in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library
What's it about?
Blending quirky chemistry with engaging tales from the history of science, Schwarcz is keen to share his fondness for the wonders of magic and science. The Genie in the Bottle celebrates some of the most amazing corners of our universe-and our cupboards.
Why do I want to read it?
The author has put together an interesting collection of chemistry anecdotes which are oftentimes relevant to current debates on healthy and beauty issues.
Where can I find it?
540 SCH in the Chemistry section of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Library