Read this book if you are about to start a chemistry course, or have started an introductory chemistry course (e.g. chemistry 101, GCSE chemistry, prep school, HSC, SQC, OCR, AQA, or Edexcel chemistry). In plain English, it will explain the core concepts that will help you understand chemistry, and enable you to build up your understanding layer upon layer. It is written by a professional writer, who has also been an examiner. The section titles include: About chemistry. Start here. What are atoms? What is atomic structure? What are elements? What are compounds and mixtures? What is the Periodic Table? What are metals and non-metals? What is bonding in chemistry? What is metallic bonding? What is ionic bonding? What is covalent bonding? Electronic structure of atoms. Electronic structure and ions. Electronic structure and covalent molecules. Structures: giant and simple. Physical properties of elements and compounds. What are reaction types? How to write and balance a chemical equation. Acids, bases, and salts. Oxidation and reduction. Other reaction types. Chemical formula. Studying chemistry.