How to input different types of parameter to one function in Python?

Question

I wanted to make my own specified module in Python for scientific work and a crucial step is to design my function. For example, I would like to build a Freundlich adsorption isotherm function: output = K*(c^n), with K and n as constants, c is the concentration of a compound (variable).

def Freundlich(K, c, n):
    ads_Freundlich = K * c ** n
    return ads_Freundlich

However, with these codes I could only input K, c, n all as single figures. I would like to know how can I run a function by giving the constant(s) as figures and the variable(s) as lists (or pandas series, etc.). In the end, I want the function to return a list. Thanks!

this should just work with numpy. With lists, you have to do the looping yourself, they do not implement vectorized operations. — juanpa.arrivillaga
– juanpa.arrivillaga, Commented Apr 6, 2020 at 9:45

Ma0 · Accepted Answer · 2020-04-07 09:31:18Z

1

For vanilla Python you have to use something like this:

def Freundlich(K, c, n_list):
    return [K * c ** n for n in n_list]

If you pass a list to the function you wrote, it will not be automatically vectorized as you seem to expect; it will throw an error instead. However, as @juanpa says, such an automatic conversion is performed by a python module called numpy.

edited Apr 7, 2020 at 9:31

answered Apr 6, 2020 at 9:47

Ma0

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3 Comments

Michael Gao Over a year ago

Thank you, this did work. But for functions which contain '+' operators, an error comes out: unsupported operand type(s) for +: 'int' and 'list' . I did the calculation with another function return [(K*Smax*c)/(1 + K*c)) for c in c_list].

Ma0 Over a year ago

@Michael If that is the case, the problem on your code is not on the return [(K*Smax*c)/(1 + K*c)) for c in c_list] line. It is further up.. You are at some point adding an integer to a list. something like c_list = 5 + c_list or so

Michael Gao Over a year ago

I am sorry that my expression in the question text is not clear enough and misleading. The 'n' is not a list, the 'c' is the only list instead. I understood your answer so I didn´t mention that you have mistaken them two.

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