Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About the Author: Dr. Holden Hemsworth
- Overview of the Book
- Why Students Struggle with General Chemistry
- Core Topics Covered
- Atomic Structure
- Periodic Trends
- Chemical Bonding
- Stoichiometry
- Thermochemistry
- Kinetics and Equilibrium
- Acids, Bases, and pH
- Electrochemistry
- What Makes This Book Unique
- Who Should Use This Book
- How to Study Effectively Using the Book
- Pros and Cons
- Real Student Reviews
- Where to Buy the Book
- Final Verdict
- FAQs
1. Introduction
General Chemistry is often one of the most challenging courses for students pursuing science, engineering, or pre-med tracks. The concepts can be abstract, the mathematics demanding, and the memorization daunting. That’s why students constantly search for effective study aids. One standout guide is Ace General Chemistry I and II by Dr. Holden Hemsworth, a concise and easy-to-understand book that simplifies complex topics and helps students master both semesters of General Chemistry.
In this article, we’ll explore the value this book brings to students, how it’s structured, what makes it unique, and why it might just be your secret weapon to acing chemistry.
2. About the Author: Dr. Holden Hemsworth
Dr. Holden Hemsworth is a respected academic known for creating simple, effective, and practical study guides. His specialty lies in breaking down difficult STEM subjects into digestible explanations. Dr. Hemsworth has written several titles across chemistry and physics, all designed with student needs in mind. His goal is to empower learners by providing them with tools that support both independent study and classroom learning.
His Ace series is especially popular among high school students, college freshmen, and adult learners who need a crash course or refresher.
3. Overview of the Book
The title Ace General Chemistry I and II combines two of Dr. Hemsworth’s previous works:
- Ace General Chemistry I: The EASY Guide to Ace General Chemistry I
- Ace General Chemistry II: The EASY Guide to Ace General Chemistry II
This single-volume guide covers the complete general chemistry curriculum usually taught in two semesters. At about 122 pages in total, it distills the subject into bite-sized lessons that are perfect for last-minute reviews, intensive cramming, or ongoing study.
4. Why Students Struggle with General Chemistry
Before discussing how the book helps, it's crucial to understand why chemistry is a stumbling block:
- Conceptual Complexity: Many students lack a strong foundation in abstract thinking, which is necessary for grasping atomic theory or thermodynamics.
- Math Integration: General Chemistry heavily relies on algebra, logarithms, and unit conversions.
- Cumulative Nature: Each topic builds upon the previous one. If you miss a concept early, it haunts you later.
- Dense Textbooks: Traditional chemistry books are hundreds of pages long, packed with detail, and hard to digest.
This is where Dr. Hemsworth’s book shines—it strips away the fluff and gets to the heart of what you need to know.
5. Core Topics Covered in the Book
Atomic Structure
You’ll learn about:
- Protons, neutrons, and electrons
- Isotopes and ions
- Electron configurations
- Quantum numbers
This chapter simplifies the periodic table and explains how electron behavior governs chemical properties.
Periodic Trends
Understand how atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity change across periods and down groups—essential for predicting chemical behavior.
Chemical Bonding
Master:
- Ionic and covalent bonding
- Lewis dot structures
- VSEPR theory (molecular geometry)
- Polarity and intermolecular forces
Stoichiometry
This often-feared topic is presented clearly, with:
- Molar conversions
- Balanced chemical equations
- Limiting reagents
- Percent yield calculations
Thermochemistry
You’ll grasp:
- Exothermic vs. endothermic reactions
- Calorimetry
- Enthalpy (ΔH)
- Heat capacity and Hess’s Law
Kinetics and Equilibrium
The book explains:
- Reaction rates
- Rate laws and mechanisms
- Activation energy
- Equilibrium constants and Le Châtelier’s Principle
Acids, Bases, and pH
From the basics to buffers, this section includes:
- pH and pOH calculations
- Strong vs. weak acids/bases
- Titration curves
- Ka and Kb constants
Electrochemistry
Includes:
- Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions
- Electrochemical cells
- Galvanic and electrolytic cells
- Standard electrode potentials
6. What Makes This Book Unique
✅ Simplicity
The explanations are brief but powerful. Dr. Hemsworth cuts out unnecessary jargon and focuses on clarity.
✅ Structured Learning
Each chapter builds upon the last. You can start anywhere, but following the flow ensures a deeper understanding.
✅ No Fluff
There’s no long-winded theory. Just what you need to know—presented in digestible sections.
✅ Practical Examples
Examples and practice problems are included to reinforce learning without overwhelming the student.
7. Who Should Use This Book
- High school students taking AP or IB Chemistry
- College freshmen enrolled in Chemistry 101 and 102
- Pre-med students preparing for the MCAT
- Adult learners returning to school
- Tutors and homeschoolers needing a reliable chemistry guide
8. How to Study Effectively Using the Book
📌 Read Actively
Don't skim. Highlight key terms and make notes in the margins.
📌 Work Through Examples
Do every sample problem. Repetition helps with retention.
📌 Supplement with Video
Pair your reading with YouTube lessons or platforms like Khan Academy for more context.
📌 Review Daily
Short, consistent sessions are better than cramming the night before.
📌 Test Yourself
Cover the answers and try solving the problems independently.
9. Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Short and efficient
- Covers both semesters
- Inexpensive
- Great for visual learners
- No prior knowledge needed
❌ Cons
- Not detailed enough for advanced students
- Limited practice questions
- No color diagrams
10. Real Student Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This book saved me during finals week. I couldn’t understand my professor’s notes, but Dr. Holden explained it clearly.” – Jasmine R.
11. Final Verdict
If you're looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense chemistry review guide, Dr. Holden Hemsworth’s Ace General Chemistry I and II is a smart choice. While it may not replace a full textbook or lab experience, it is perfect for focused study, exam prep, and last-minute review. Its compact format, logical structure, and student-friendly tone make it one of the most practical chemistry guides available today.
Whether you're struggling to keep up in class or preparing for a major test, this book could be the boost you need.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is this book enough to pass General Chemistry?
Yes—if used properly alongside lectures, notes, and practice problems.
❓ Does the book include practice tests?
No full-length tests, but it includes example problems in each section.
❓ Is it good for MCAT prep?
Yes, especially for the general chemistry portion. It’s not a complete MCAT guide but serves as a helpful supplement.
