<p>For my chem class, the syllabus says that we need the Custom Edition McMurray/Fay General Chemistry: Atoms First textbook and I was wondering if it really matters whether or not we get the custom edition. I'd rather just get the regular edition online because it's easier to find and it's cheaper.</p>
<p>custom edition generally means that the professor negotiated a deal with the publisher in which the publisher takes out a couple chapters that the professor doesnt use in order to make the book cheaper. However, after the publisher makes the book cheaper, the bookstore just jacks the price back up, so it’s really pretty pointless. but you should ask your professor.</p>
<p>My chemistry professor said it didn’t matter what version of the book you get. The custom edition has like 2 extra chapters or something like that but other than that everything else is the same.</p>
<p>If you can use the regular edition I would. Custom additions a very poor resell value because they’re only good for this one instructors course .</p>
<p>It’s important to have custom editions of chemistry textbooks for every university. As you know, chemistry is based on the fundamental laws of physics (quantum mechanics) and the laws of physics are slightly different at each university campus.</p>
<p>Imagine how dangerous it would be if students could, say buy a used copy of a textbook from across the country online at 1/10th the price. In chemistry lab (for example) they might attempt to neutralize 1M of a strong acid with 1M of a strong base. Expecting it to be neutralized they might pour it down the drain, splash it on themselves- and experience a HORRIBLE CHEMICAL BURN because on their particular campus it takes 2M of base to neutralize 1M of acid! </p>
<p>Think about the children! The textbook publishers have your best interests at heart.</p>