All Flashcards
What are ICE Tables?
Tables that organize initial concentrations, changes, and equilibrium concentrations to solve equilibrium problems.
Define 'Initial' in an ICE table.
The concentrations of reactants and products at the start of the reaction.
Define 'Change' in an ICE table.
The change in concentration of reactants and products as the reaction proceeds to equilibrium, usually represented by 'x'.
Define 'Equilibrium' in an ICE table.
The final concentrations of reactants and products when the reaction has reached equilibrium.
What is the equilibrium constant (K)?
The ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium, indicating the extent of a reaction.
What is the 5% approximation?
An assumption that 'x' is negligible compared to initial concentrations if K is small, simplifying calculations.
What is the effect of a small K value on the extent of the reaction?
A small K value indicates that the reaction does not proceed much towards product formation at equilibrium.
What is the effect of a large K value on the extent of the reaction?
A large K value indicates that the reaction proceeds far towards product formation at equilibrium.
What happens if you forget to include stoichiometric coefficients in the 'Change' row of an ICE table?
The equilibrium concentrations will be calculated incorrectly, leading to a wrong answer.
What happens if the 5% approximation is not valid?
The quadratic formula must be used to solve for 'x', making the calculation more complex.
What happens if initial concentrations of products are not given?
Assume the initial concentrations of products are zero.
What is the difference between initial concentration and equilibrium concentration?
Initial concentration: Concentration at the start of the reaction. Equilibrium concentration: Concentration when the reaction reaches equilibrium.
When should you use the 5% approximation, and when should you avoid it?
Use: When K is small (usually < 10⁻⁴) and 'x' is added/subtracted. Avoid: When 'x' is the only term or multiplied by a coefficient.