Abstract:

Application of programming language R for the teaching of analytical chemistry was demonstrated with several examples. Numerical calculation of R was used to solve the high-order equations involved in chemical equilibrium. It avoided the cumbersome processes of formula simplification, and also unified all equilibrium calculations into the same method. Plotting functions of R were used to plot species distribution curves, titration curves, etc. Statistical analysis functions of R were used to replace the traditional manual method. Numerical simulation functions of R were used to help students understand complex concepts such as propagation of error and confidence interval. Compared with Excel, which is commonly used in the teaching of analytical chemistry, R also has the characteristics of being code-based, self-explanatory, flexible, rapidly evolving, and readily accessible. The application of R in teaching of analytical chemistry not only helps to improve the learning efficacy, but also provides an opportunity for students to master the powerful research tool R.

Key words: Analytical chemistry, R programming language, pH calculation, Species distribution, Titration curve, t test, Propagation of error