Test your higher chemistry calculations (2nd edn)
David Calder
London: Hodder Gibson 2004 | Pp148 | 7.99 | ISBN0 340 88315 4
Reviewed by Kenneth Robertson

This second edition is a welcome update to the original 1997 publication which brings the book in line with the course content of the new National Qualification Higher Chemistry for Scotland. Although written to support the Scottish course, the book could easily be used to support coursework in both GCSE and A-level specifications in England and Wales. The text covers all the main types of calculations taught in a senior school chemistry curriculum, which are presented here in 16 separate sections.

This book is designed to test students' understanding of calculations and to give them plenty of practice in an area which, traditionally, causes them problems. The layout is clear and informative. Each section begins with a brief review of the relevant theory, supported by several worked examples. This is followed by a large number of questions, ca 20 on average, to be answered by students. The content covers calculations involving rates of reaction, basic stoichiometric calculations, enthalpy changes, Hess's Law, pH, redox and radioactivity to name a few. Data sections are provided at the end of the book as well as an answer section with numerical answers to all the questions in the text.

This book is well worth its £7.99 price tag because it can be used by students for extra practice and revision, or by teachers to help them teach and illustrate calculations. However you use this resource, it should become a must have for any UK chemistry department.