I think that adding a periodic table in game would be your best bet. This would allow the player to figure it out in the game without getting stuck on knowledge they might not have of the outside world. For the checking if it was correct, I think that you, if possible, shouldn't. If the player gets it right they will have the knowledge to create the game. If you absolutely must, you could use it as a computer password, or if it the name of someone a username, If they access the computer they can gain information such as a phone number that they wouldn't originally have, spurring on the story without you having to worry whether the puzzle was completed or not, because it was. This allows for you to check if the user is right without decreased immersion. I personally believe that for the ipad and or ipod example that an in game keyboard would suffice, as long as the code wasn't too long, unless you want to out of your way and create an actual easy mode.
*EDIT*
Sorry I misunderstood, you are the one sending the code, right? In that case just have it be sent by email. If the code matches what it should be, have the story continue, but if it isn't have the chemist reply "I don't understand." or something along those lines.
Hope this helps
Sane Co.
*EDIT*
Sorry I misunderstood, you are the one sending the code, right? In that case just have it be sent by email. If the code matches what it should be, have the story continue, but if it isn't have the chemist reply "I don't understand." or something along those lines.
Hope this helps
Sane Co.