Help Balance Chemical Equations with Java

  • Thread starter benzun_1999
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Logic
In summary: What the original poster is asking for is a way to figure out what will happen when two ingredients are combined. That is not something that can be done with just an equation.
  • #1
benzun_1999
260
0
Hi guys
Can u guys pls give me a logic to balance cheical euations. I have done some work in java but am unable to get any balancing equation logic. Can anyone tell me how to make computer perform some fuction in a specific order using Java
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hello,

Is'int there someone to help me. pls i need help. i am desperate.
-Benzun
 
  • #3
How many computer-oriented people understand how to equate chemical balance? Personally I couldn't wrap my brain around it. I can grasp the physics, but the actual calculations might as well be in sanskrit for all the good they do for me.
 
  • #4
This is more of a linear equations/trial-and-error problem then anything else.

Let's take a simple example:

Cu + O2 ----> Cu2O

1) Give each portion of the equation a unique multiplier

X1*Cu + X2*O2 ---> X3*Cu2O

2) Equate same elements

X1*Cu = X3*Cu2
X2*O2 = X3*O

3)Bring subscript to front

X1*Cu = 2*X3*Cu
2*X2*O = X3*O

4) Equate Cofficients

X1 = 2*X3
2*X2 = X3

5) Select a variable, say X3, and equate it to 1. Sove for other cofficients. Are all the cofficients integers? No? Try X3=2. Are all the cofficients integers? Yes? X1 = 4, X2=1, X3=2

Solution:

4Cu + O2 ----> 2Cu2O

Hint: Your definitely going to use arrays to store the equation cofficients.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Dngrsone ----> head explodey
 
  • #6
If there is anything confusing about chemistry it is definitely nomenclature. Balancing is easy.
 
  • #7
dduardo said:
If there is anything confusing about chemistry it is definitely nomenclature. Balancing is easy.

If that's so, then what happened to the other two copper atoms in the last equation?
 
Last edited:
  • #8
What do you mean? The 4 copper atoms are combining with the O2 molecule to create 2 Copper (I) Oxide molecules.

Copper (I) Oxide: Cu -- O -- Cu
 
Last edited:
  • #9
Okay, I can see the sense in that, but now your first example looks wrong-- I see one copper atom and an O2 molecule becoming a Copper Oxide molecule
 
  • #10
That's why it is called an unbalanced equation to start with. The reaction couldn't happen otherwise. The final solution is what you need to make the reaction happen.

Let me put it this way: Say your making a cake with a gallon of milk and a tablespoon of cake mix. You know this combination is not going to work. Thats why you need to scale or "balance" the ingredients so that the cake does come out right.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
Okay... I see the equation now. So what the original poster wants is a way to figure out the amounts needed of each ingredint to produce the desired output?

Here I was thinking he wanted to know what happens when you combine two ingredients... getting all the valences, ionizations and all that crap straight and knowing how the chemicals will actually interact is what causes my head to go explody.
 
  • #12
Yeah, I think you where making the problem harder than it really is.
 

1. What is a chemical equation?

A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants on the left side and the products on the right side. It also includes coefficients to balance the number of atoms on each side.

2. Why is it important to balance chemical equations?

Balancing chemical equations is important because it ensures that the law of conservation of mass is followed. This means that the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation, showing that no atoms are created or destroyed during a chemical reaction.

3. How can Java be used to help balance chemical equations?

Java can be used to create a program that takes in a chemical equation and automatically balances it. It can use algorithms and mathematical principles to determine the correct coefficients for each element, saving time and effort for scientists.

4. Are there any limitations to balancing chemical equations with Java?

While Java can be a useful tool for balancing simple chemical equations, it may have limitations when dealing with more complex equations. Some reactions may require manual intervention or the use of more advanced algorithms.

5. Is balancing chemical equations with Java reliable?

Yes, balancing chemical equations with Java can be reliable if the program is properly designed and tested. However, it is always important for scientists to double-check and verify the results to ensure accuracy.

Similar threads

  • Computing and Technology
Replies
13
Views
216
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
828
  • Differential Equations
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
21
Views
1K
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
489
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
531
  • Computing and Technology
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Back
Top