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Getting Started

New to RALQ? These questions cover the basics of account creation and initial setup.
RALQ (Realidad Aumentada para el Laboratorio de Química) is an educational platform that uses augmented reality and 3D visualization to help students learn chemistry.Key features:
  • 3D molecular structure visualization
  • Augmented reality mode for immersive learning
  • Laboratory equipment models
  • Interactive periodic table
  • Accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones
RALQ was created by students at Universidad Tecnológica del Suroeste de Veracruz (UTSV) to make chemistry education more accessible and engaging.
Creating an account is simple:
  1. Visit the RALQ homepage
  2. Click “Regístrate” (Sign Up)
  3. Fill in your information:
    • Name
    • Email address
    • Password
  4. Verify your email (if required)
  5. Log in with your credentials
Your email address will be displayed when you’re logged in, so use an email you’re comfortable identifying yourself with.
Yes! RALQ is a free educational platform created as an academic project to support chemistry education. All features including 3D models and AR mode are available at no cost.
No installation required! RALQ runs in your web browser:
  • For 3D models: Just visit the website
  • For AR mode: Use your smartphone or tablet’s browser
  • No apps to download: Everything works through the web
For AR functionality, your device needs a camera and a modern browser that supports WebXR or AR features.

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Account and Login Questions

Manage your RALQ account and resolve login issues.
If you’ve forgotten your password:
  1. Go to the login page (“Inicia sesión”)
  2. Look for “¿Olvidaste tu contraseña?” or password reset link
  3. Enter your registered email address
  4. Check your email for reset instructions
  5. Follow the link to create a new password
Can’t find the password reset email? Check your spam/junk folder. If you still don’t see it, contact support at [email protected]
To change your account email:
  1. Log in to your account
  2. Click on your user icon (top right)
  3. Look for account settings or profile options
  4. Update your email address
If you don’t see this option, contact support for assistance: [email protected]
To log out of your account:
  1. Click on your user icon in the top right corner
  2. Your email will be displayed in the dropdown menu
  3. Click “Cerrar sesión” (Close session/Logout)
Always log out when using shared computers or public devices to protect your account.
While technically possible, it’s not recommended. One account per user is sufficient to access all RALQ features. If you need to manage multiple accounts for a classroom or institution, contact the RALQ team for guidance.

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Technical Requirements

Ensure your device meets the requirements for the best RALQ experience.
RALQ works best with modern browsers:Desktop/Laptop:
  • Google Chrome (recommended) - version 90+
  • Microsoft Edge - version 90+
  • Firefox - version 88+
  • Safari - version 14+
Mobile:
  • Chrome for Android - version 90+
  • Safari for iOS - version 14+
  • Samsung Internet - version 14+
Always use the latest version of your browser for best performance and security. Update your browser if you experience issues.
RALQ is designed to work on various devices:Computers:
  • Windows PC (Windows 10 or later)
  • Mac (macOS 10.14 or later)
  • Linux (modern distributions)
Tablets:
  • iPad (iOS 14 or later)
  • Android tablets (Android 8.0 or later)
Smartphones:
  • iPhone (iOS 14 or later)
  • Android phones (Android 8.0 or later)
For AR features, your mobile device must support ARCore (Android) or ARKit (iOS).
Data usage varies by activity:
  • Initial page load: 2-5 MB
  • Loading a 3D model: 0.5-2 MB per model
  • AR session: 10-20 MB per hour
  • Browsing pages: 1-3 MB
Tips to reduce data usage:
  • Use Wi-Fi when possible
  • Load models once (they cache in browser)
  • Close unused tabs
  • Avoid repeatedly reloading pages
If you have limited data, load the models you need while on Wi-Fi, then you can view them offline from browser cache.
Minimum requirements:
  • 2 Mbps download speed for basic use
  • 5 Mbps recommended for smooth AR experience
Activities by speed:
  • Viewing 3D models: 2 Mbps sufficient
  • AR mode: 5 Mbps recommended
  • Multiple tabs/users: 10 Mbps or higher
Once models are loaded, they’re cached locally, so you don’t need constant fast connection.

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AR Mode Questions

Get the most out of RALQ’s augmented reality features.
To activate augmented reality:
  1. Navigate to a molecular structure page
  2. Click “Ver en Realidad Aumentada” button
  3. Allow camera access when prompted
  4. Point your camera at a flat surface
  5. Tap the screen to place the molecule
  6. Walk around to view from different angles
For best results:
  • Use good lighting
  • Choose a large, flat, textured surface
  • Keep your device steady while placing
  • Avoid reflective surfaces
Troubleshooting steps:
  1. Check browser support
    • Use Chrome on Android or Safari on iOS
    • Update to the latest browser version
  2. Verify device compatibility
    • iPhone 6S or later (iOS 14+)
    • Android device with ARCore support
  3. Grant camera permission
    • Go to browser settings
    • Find RALQ website
    • Enable camera access
  4. Improve environment
    • Turn on more lights
    • Use a textured surface (not plain white)
    • Avoid shiny or reflective surfaces
  5. Restart
    • Close and reopen browser
    • Restart your device
    • Try a different surface
If AR still doesn’t work, your device may not support AR features. You can still use all 3D models in regular mode!
Yes! To capture AR screenshots:iOS (iPhone/iPad):
  • Press Side Button + Volume Up simultaneously
  • Screenshot saves to Photos app
Android:
  • Press Power + Volume Down simultaneously
  • Screenshot saves to Gallery
Use screenshots to:
  • Create study notes
  • Share with classmates
  • Document your observations
  • Create presentations
Placement controls:
  • Move: Drag your finger across the screen
  • Rotate: Use two fingers and twist
  • Scale: Pinch to zoom in/out
  • Reposition: Tap again to place in new location
Reset view:
  • Exit AR mode
  • Re-enter to start fresh
Exact gestures may vary by device. Experiment to find what works best on your phone or tablet.
Currently, RALQ shows one molecule at a time in AR mode. To compare molecules:
  1. Take a screenshot of the first molecule in AR
  2. Exit AR mode
  3. Navigate to a different molecule
  4. Enter AR mode again
  5. Compare your screenshots
Alternatively, use regular 3D mode which allows opening multiple browser tabs.

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3D Model Viewing

Maximize your experience with RALQ’s 3D molecular models.
Common solutions:
  1. Check internet connection
    • Ensure you’re online
    • Test with other websites
    • Try a different network
  2. Enable WebGL
    • Type chrome://flags in Chrome
    • Search for WebGL
    • Ensure WebGL is enabled
  3. Update graphics drivers
    • Especially important on Windows PCs
    • Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website
  4. Clear browser cache
    • Go to browser settings
    • Clear browsing data
    • Include cached images and files
    • Reload RALQ page
  5. Try a different browser
    • Chrome usually works best
    • Ensure browser is updated
If you see a gray or black box where the model should be, it’s usually a WebGL issue. Update your browser and graphics drivers.
Desktop/Laptop:
  • Rotate: Click and drag with mouse
  • Zoom: Scroll with mouse wheel
  • Pan: Right-click and drag (or Ctrl + drag)
  • Reset: Double-click the model
Touchscreen (tablet/phone):
  • Rotate: One finger drag
  • Zoom: Pinch in/out with two fingers
  • Pan: Two finger drag
  • Reset: Double-tap
The model will auto-rotate when first loaded. Click or tap it to stop auto-rotation and take manual control.
The background is set to transparent or white by default to provide clear visibility. Currently, there’s no built-in option to change background colors, as the default provides optimal contrast for viewing molecular structures.If you need different contrast, try:
  • Using your browser’s dark mode
  • Adjusting your screen brightness
  • Using AR mode for real-world backgrounds
RALQ uses the standard CPK (Corey-Pauling-Koltun) color convention:
  • Black/Dark Gray: Carbon (C)
  • White/Light Gray: Hydrogen (H)
  • Red: Oxygen (O)
  • Blue: Nitrogen (N)
  • Yellow: Sulfur (S)
  • Orange: Phosphorus (P)
This color scheme is used internationally in chemistry education and research.
Once you learn these colors, you can quickly identify atoms in any molecular model, not just in RALQ!
The auto-rotation speed is preset for optimal viewing. To control rotation manually:
  1. Click or tap the model to stop auto-rotation
  2. Manually rotate at your own pace
  3. Refresh the page to reset auto-rotation
Manual control gives you complete freedom to examine the molecule at any speed you need.

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Browser Compatibility

Resolve browser-specific issues and optimize performance.
Yes, RALQ works on Safari (version 14 or later):macOS Safari:
  • Full 3D model support
  • All navigation features
  • Good performance
iOS Safari:
  • Full 3D model support
  • AR mode support (iPhone 6S and later)
  • Optimized for mobile
If you experience issues on Safari, ensure you’re using version 14 or later. Update iOS/macOS if needed.
Chrome often provides the best experience because:
  • Excellent WebGL support
  • Fast JavaScript engine
  • Regular updates
  • Wide device compatibility
  • Best AR support on Android
However, RALQ is designed to work on all modern browsers. If you prefer Firefox, Edge, or Safari, they should work fine too!
No, Internet Explorer is not supported. Internet Explorer is outdated and lacks support for modern web technologies required by RALQ.Instead, use:
  • Microsoft Edge (the modern replacement for IE)
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
Microsoft ended support for Internet Explorer in June 2022. For security and functionality, upgrade to a modern browser.

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Mobile Device Support

Get the best experience on your smartphone or tablet.
Yes! RALQ is fully compatible with iOS devices:Requirements:
  • iOS 14 or later
  • Safari or Chrome browser
  • iPhone 6S or later for AR
  • iPad (5th generation) or later for AR
Features available:
  • ✅ 3D molecular models
  • ✅ Interactive rotation and zoom
  • ✅ AR mode (compatible devices)
  • ✅ All learning content
  • ✅ Periodic table
  • ✅ Laboratory equipment models
Yes! RALQ works great on Android:Requirements:
  • Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later
  • Chrome browser (recommended)
  • ARCore support for AR features
To check ARCore support:
  • Visit Google Play Store
  • Search for “Google Play Services for AR”
  • If you can install it, your device supports AR
Most Android phones from 2018 or later support ARCore. If your phone doesn’t support AR, you can still use all other RALQ features!
Performance optimization tips:
  1. Close other apps
    • Free up memory
    • Reduce background processes
  2. Close unused browser tabs
    • Each tab uses resources
    • Keep only RALQ tab open
  3. Clear browser cache
    • Remove old data
    • Start fresh
  4. Restart your device
    • Clears temporary issues
    • Frees up memory
  5. Use Wi-Fi
    • Faster data loading
    • More stable connection
  6. Update your browser
    • Newest version = best performance
    • Bug fixes and optimizations
Older devices (4+ years old) may have slower performance with complex 3D models. Consider using a newer device or computer for the best experience.
Limited offline functionality:What works offline:
  • Previously loaded 3D models (cached)
  • Basic navigation of cached pages
What requires internet:
  • Initial page load
  • Loading new models
  • AR mode
  • Account login
  • Navigation to new sections
To maximize offline use: Load all the molecules you need while online, then you can view them from browser cache even if you lose connection temporarily.

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Content and Features

Learn about RALQ’s educational content and capabilities.
RALQ includes several important molecules:Current collection:
  • Water (H₂O)
  • Caffeine (C₈H₁₀N₄O₂)
  • Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃)
  • Propane (C₃H₈)
  • Phenol (C₆H₅OH)
  • Benzyl alcohol (C₈H₁₀O)
Each molecule includes:
  • 3D rotatable model
  • AR viewing mode
  • Chemical formula
  • Molecular weight
  • Physical state
  • Educational information
RALQ is an ongoing educational project. The team plans to add more molecules and features based on:
  • Student and teacher feedback
  • Curriculum requirements
  • Common educational needs
To request specific molecules, contact the team at [email protected]
RALQ includes 3D models of common lab equipment:
  • Test tube racks (Gradilla)
  • Glassware (beakers, flasks)
  • Measurement tools
  • Support equipment
These models help you familiarize yourself with equipment before entering a real laboratory.
Virtual equipment viewing prepares you for lab work but doesn’t replace hands-on training. Always complete your institution’s lab safety training.
Yes! RALQ includes an interactive periodic table accessible from the main menu. Use it to:
  • Explore element properties
  • Learn element information
  • Reference while studying molecules
Access it by clicking “Tabla Periódica” from the main menu after logging in.

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Still Have Questions?

Contact Support

Get direct help from the RALQ team

Troubleshooting

Detailed solutions for common technical issues

Chemistry Basics

Learn fundamental chemistry concepts

Molecular Models Guide

Understand how to read 3D structures

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