Electrodynamics and chemistry empirical formula

[madah12]

In my chemistry textbook it says that the only way to get the ratio between the elements in a compound is by experimental means ,so I was wondering why isn't the physical knowledge of electrodynamics able to predict the reaction given the properties of the elements?

 

[Drakkith]

Given a few atoms or molecules, I believe it can. However most reactions use enormous numbers of atoms and molecules, and trying to calculate every single one of these all at once is extremely difficult and time consuming, if even possible.

 

[madah12]

so how to express the fact that 2Na + Cl_2 ==> 2NaCl
in physics?

 

[Drakkith]

so how to express the fact that 2Na + Cl_2 ==> 2NaCl
in physics?

I think you just did.

The problem, i think, is that you have 1x10^25 of those reactions to take into account. Thats quite a bit of work...

I'm not 100% sure of what you are asking anymore honestly. Could you be a little more specific about your question?

 

[madah12]

are there physical laws that would predict how atoms of elements would react based only on their electric properties?

 

[cragar]

yes its called Quantum mechanics , when their wave functions overlap you get chemical bonding.