Newly updated with the stunning discovery of two new elements, A Guide to the Elements, 2nd Edition is still the easy- to-read, easy-to- understand resource to the periodic table that students and teachers of the physical sciences expect. A Guide to the Elements, Second Edition begins with an introductory section that explains some of the basic concepts of chemistry and traces the history and development of the periodic table of the elements. In clear, nontechnical language, Albert Stwertka takes complex ideas and terms easily understandable. Complemented with historical anecdotes and everyday examples, each fascinating article examines one element and is accompanied by photographs many in full color of practical applications. Middle school and high school students will find this a welcome reference, as will adults with no background in chemistry.brThis new edition includes:br* A comprehensive list of informative websitesbr* An epilogue on recent near-discoveries of new elementsbr* An extensively updated further-reading listbrAn excellent look up resource as well as a superb introduction to chemistry, A Guide to the Elements, Second Edition is a good beginning step on the road to chemical literacy.brAlbert Stwerkta is Professor Emeritus at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and previously served as the head of the mathematics and science department there. Dr. Stwertka conducted research in the field of atomic physics, and was instrumental in establishing training programs for the N.S. Savannah nuclear ship during the Atoms for Peace program. He is the author of numerous books on science and math, including The World of Atoms and Quarks, Recent Revolutions in Physics, Recent Revolutions in Mathematics, and Physics: From Newton to the Big Bang.br