GChem: Learning basic concepts in chemistry using MS Excel VBA

GChem is an Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Application) program that has been developed to assist chemistry students learn basic concepts in chemistry. Two modules are included: electrochemistry and acid base calculations. For the electrochemistry module, users can calculate the cell potential of an electrochemical cell, the free energy change (ΔG) and the equilibrium constant (K) of a chemical reaction. It can also determine the spontaneity of the cell reaction and display the cell notation. Glossary of terms, quiz and application of Nernst equation are also included in this module. For the acid-base module, users can calculate the pH of a strong or weak acid and a strong or weak base. Users can also answer questions in the quiz section and the scores are also displayed. The visual basic editor in Excel is used to write all the programming codes. The application is user friendly and it is easily accessible without the need to purchase sophisticated software. Students can conveniently use it from a laptop or personal computer even without the Internet connection. It is hoped that this application will motivate students to enhance their understanding of the basic concepts of electrochemistry and acid base calculations. A preliminary survey on students at the Faculty of Applied Sciences shows that students find this application helpful in their study.