Abstract
Computer-based approaches to balancing chemical equations are discussed. Out of 13 methods surveyed, 6 are based on matrix, 2 are interactive programs, 1 is a stand alone system, 1 is developed in algorithm in Basic, 1 is based on design engineering, 1 is written in HyperCard, and 1 prepared for the World Wide Web. Features in addition to balancing chemical equations include the following: solve possible reactions from a list of molecules and ions, determine the number of independent chemical reactions, calculate yields, predict mass relationships, and balance rare reactions. Research and development issues are addressed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Blakley, G. R. (1982). Chemical equation balancing. A general method which is quick, simple, and has unexpected applications. Journal of Chemical Education 59: 728–734.
Brooks, D. W. (1995). Retrospective tutoring. Journal of Chemical Education 72: 233–236.
Brown, J. P., Brown, L. P., and Redd, R. M. (1972). A computer program for balancing chemical equations. Journal of Chemical Education 49: 754.
Dun, S. (n.d.) Chembalancer [On-line]. Available at: http://www.dun.org/sulan/chembalancer.
Goldberg, S. Z. (1978). EQUBAL—A computer program for balancing chemical equations. Journal of Chemical Education 55: 532.
Kumar, D. D., and Helgeson, S. L. (2000). Effect of gender on computer-based chemistry problem solving: Early findings [On-line]. The Electronic Journal of Science Education 4. Available at: http://www.unr.edu/homepage/crowther/ejse/kumaretal.html.
Kumar, D. D., and Helgeson, S. L. (1996). Effect of computer interfaces on chemistry problem solving among various ethnic groups: A comparison of Pen-Point and Powerbook computers. Journal of Science Education and Technology 5: 121–130.
Kumar, D. D. (1993). HyperEquation. The Agora 3: 8–9.
Loercher, W. (1986). Balancing chemical equations with a Commodore64. Journal of Chemical Education 63: 74.
McCoy,M. (2000). Computing the circuit. Chemical and Engineering News 78: 17–22, 24.
Missen, R.W., and Smith, W. R. (1989). A question of basic chemical literacy? Journal of Chemical Education 66: 217–218.
Ramette, R. W. (1995). REACT: Exploring practical thermodynamic and equilibrium calculations. Journal of Chemical Education u: 240–241.
Rosen, A. I. (1997). A computer program designed to balance inorganic chemical equations. Journal of Chemical Education 54: 704.
Schneiderman, B. (1987). Designing the User Interface, Addison Wesley, New York.
Smith, W. R., and Missen, R. W. (1997). Using Mathematica and Maple to obtain chemical equations. Journal of Chemical Education 74: 1369–1371.
Weltin, E. (1994). Let a computer balance your chemical equations and determine the number of independent reactions. Journal of Chemical Education 71: 295–297.
Xianmin, Z. (1989). PAD programming and its application in chemistry. Journal of Chemical Information and Computer Sciences 29: 60–66.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kumar, D.D. Computer Applications in Balancing Chemical Equations. Journal of Science Education and Technology 10, 347–350 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012295119087
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012295119087