This text helps students understand basic chemical principles in the context of discovering the molecular causes behind our everyday observations. What does matter look like at the molecular and atomic level? Why are leaves green? Why do colored fabrics fade upon repeated exposure to sunlight? All of these basic questions have molecular answers that teach and illustrate chemical principles. The author introduces each concept with a thought experiment, then develops the chemical principles and concepts involved in a molecular understanding of the experiment. Once students have grasped the basic concepts, they are introduced to consumer applications and environmental problems.