This SIR is a reaction spreadsheet, based on the reaction table. The reaction table is a useful concept for presenting the concept of limiting reactant, for teaching how to handle reactions may not go to completion, and for determining percent yield.
The top line contains the balanced chemical equation. Aligned below it are three lines containing molar quantities (or quantities proportional to moles, such as molar concentrations or partial pressures). The first line has the starting amounts, the second line the changes, and the last line the final amounts, which are the sums of the amounts in the first two lines. The essential point is that the chemical equation governs only the changes.
In this SIR, and also in SIR K and SIR Dalton, you have a notebook of up to 16 equations in which you may store the equations you expect to use in class. This is the only facility that requires you to use the keyboard. Clearly it is wise to load it up in advance. You may add reactions and replace existing ones.
Using the spreadsheet
After you select a reaction, all entries will be zero. You enter initial amounts, changes or final amounts by clicking on their locations. In each case a keypad will appear.
The computer will continuously update all the other entries..
It is possible to enter changes or final amounts that are impossible; that is, which would make some final amounts negative. What happens then depends on you selection of truth or consequences.
Truth: a message will appear, saying that your choice is impossible, because it will make a final amount (named) negative.
Consequences: the computer will simply enter the consequent negative amount(s).
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Updated July 17, 2000