Learning Matrix Algebra for Chemical Equations

AI Thread Summary
Matrix algebra can be applied to chemical equations, but the formation of these equations primarily relies on experimental data rather than purely mathematical methods. The discussion centers on how to derive coefficients like (x-1), (4-x), and 2x in the given chemical equation involving reactants and products. Participants express confusion over the notation used, suggesting a clearer representation with proper superscripts and subscripts. The importance of balancing charges and atom counts on both sides of the equation is emphasized as a fundamental principle in chemical equations. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effectively using matrix algebra in this context.
Turtle
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Can someone explain to me how to use matrix algebra, to form a chemical equation?
 
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Chemical equations are formed by experimentation, not mathematics. Can you be more explicit?
 
I have a little article on it ,but it does not explain much.
In the article Ce+4, H20, CH2(CO2H)2 are the reactants and CO2, H+, Ce+3, HCO2H are the products.
The equation is CH2(C02H)2+2H2O+2xCe+4=(x-1)CO2+(4-x)HCO2H+2x-Ce+3+2xH+
How does one obtain the (x-1), (4-x), and the 2x?
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Turtle
The equation is CH2(C02H)2+2H2O+2xCe+4=(x-1)CO2+(4-x)HCO2H+2x-Ce+3+2xH+

Sorry, but this makes no sense to me. I am assuming that "Ce+4" should be "Ce+4" and not "Ce plus 4".

Can you retype this using superscripts and subscripts?
 
Turtle:

Please retype that using {sup} {/sup} and {sub}{/sub} so the forum can recognise it.

(Replace curlies with square brackets of course)
 
Charge has to balance, number of atoms on each side has to balance, so I'm sure you could get somewhere algebraically, I'm too tired to have a look right now, sorry.
 

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