Reaction kinetics is central to the study of chemistry. Kinetic studies can provide both an insight into the detailed molecular mechanisms of elementary reactions and practical information which can be used to unravel complex chemical problems such as the formation of the ozone hole. This modern, accessible text begins with an introduction to the importance and relevance of chemical kinetics, and then describes and explains the experimental and theoretical studies of elementary reactions. The applications of kinetics to complex phenomena such as chain reactions and photochemistry are then described, emphasizing how these systems are built up of individual elementary reactions. Examples from the fields of chain reactions, atmospheric chemistry, explosions, oscillating reactions, and photochemistry are then explored in greater detail. Worked examples and problems throughout the text allow students to obtain a detailed understanding of the field. Boxed inserts explain advanced topics more clearly.