Recording-2025-03-14T12:03:51.461Z

Introduction to ICE Tables

• ICE Table: A tool used in chemistry to calculate the concentrations of reactants and products at equilibrium.

Components of the ICE Table

• Initial Concentrations/Pressures:

  • Represents the starting amounts of reactants and products before the reaction proceeds.

  • Important for determining how much substance is available to react and how those amounts will change.

• Change:

  • Represents the changes in concentrations or pressures as the reaction progresses towards equilibrium.

  • Dependent on stoichiometry and the initial amounts.

• Equilibrium Concentrations/Pressures:

  • At equilibrium, the concentrations of all reactants and products remain constant.

  • This row sums the initial and change rows to give final amounts.

Setting Up the ICE Table

• When constructing an ICE table, consider:

  • Forwards and Reverse Reactions: Both reactions can occur, but the forward reaction will reflect the initial concentrations that will change as the reaction takes place.

  • Recognize that not all reactants may be present initially; for example, in the case discussed, one reactant (designated as B) is absent initially and will need to be accounted for subsequently.

Steps in Filling Out the ICE Table

1. Identify Initial Concentrations:

   • List initial concentrations/pressures for each substance involved in the reaction.

   • Note the absent reactant which will influence changes.

2. Assign Change Values:

   • Use stoichiometric coefficients to determine how concentrations/pressures change through the reaction.

   • Assign positive or negative signs based on whether the substance is being produced or consumed.

3. Compute Equilibrium Values:

   • Combine the initial and change values to arrive at equilibrium concentrations.

   • Ensure that all reactants and products are accounted for in the equilibrium row.