System dynamics modeling: from mechanics to chemistry

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a contribution toward the use of analogical reasoning by explicit system dynamics modeling of physical processes. The relational structures found in simple models are transferred to an example of chemical processes leading to chemical equilibrium. We present an experiment on the mutarotation of D-glucose. A dynamical model will be built that makes use of amount of substance and chemical potential differences in analogy to quantities of fluid and pressure differences in fluid phenomena, or electric charge and voltage in electricity. The model is simulated and results are compared to experimental data. The approach presented is suitable to advanced high school or to introductory college courses in applied science and engineering