Metals and Chemical Change: RSC [Paperback]

Metals play a vital role in the metabolism of plants and animals and, increasingly, in medicine. This book, one of two used as the main teaching material on an Open University course, provides an introduction to the metals essential to life and ligands of biological importance. It considers the uptake of metals, their transport and ultimately their storage, illustrated in particular with the story of iron in the body. It also considers Na, K and Ca ion channels and biomineralisation and covers the key roles that metals and their complexes play in living systems, for example in respiration and photosynthesis. The last section (delivered online) considers metal toxicity and deficiency and the role that metals play in medicine, looking at both diagnostics and therapy and the forefront of inorganic research. The book and CD-ROM provide an excellent learning resource of the material covered ... strongly recommended. This book looks at how molecules react, and how the feasibility and outcome of chemical reactions can be predicted. One of the many highlights of the book is the use of everyday examples of metals and their reactivity, particularly industrial examples ... The CD contains some excellent video sequences ... This book looks at how molecules react, and how the feasibility and outcome of chemical reactions can be predicted. Beginning with an introduction to the concept of an activity series of metals, Metals and Chemical Change then introduces chemical thermodynamics (enthalpy, entropy and free energy) and applies the concept to both inorganic and organic elements. A Case Study on batteries and fuel cells is also included. The accompanying CD-ROM includes video sequences of the reactions of metals with water, acid and aqueous ions, and gives the reader an opportunity to make experimental observations and predictions about chemical behaviour. A comprehensive Data Book of chemical and physical constants is included, along with a set of interactive self-assessment quls+