In a conversational writing style with everyday analogies and applications, humour, and points of interest, the authors build on what students already know about chemistry. They also explain to students how chemists think by integrating descriptive chemistry and theory. Starting with Chapter 1, and continuing in Chapters 4, 8, 11, and 21, the authors explain why chemical reactions occur rather than simply describe them. Many margin notes, photographs, boxes, and application problems supply facts about chemicals and chemical reactions. Examples include both common organic compounds and important inorganic compounds. Applications include astronomy, biology, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, geology, and industrial chemistry as well as everyday life.