## ICE table approximation

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Jasmine W 1K
Posts: 49
Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2019 12:18 am

### ICE table approximation

How do you know whether you can use the approximation shortcut rather than the quadratic equation for problems involving ICE tables?

Sidharth D 1E
Posts: 98
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

You can approximate if the K value for the table is less than 10-3.

Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:19 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

If the K value is less than 10^-3 and then if the percent protonation is less than 5% it is ok to take the shortcut.

Ying Yan 1F
Posts: 101
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

If you have a K value that is smaller than 10^-3, then you can use the approximation shortcut. If you still need more clarification, Dr. Llavell talks about this in Video Module 3. Hope that helped!

Vincent Leong 2B
Posts: 207
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

The approximation is only used when K is small enough and you know this approximation works if the x you solve for is < 5% of the initial concentration.

ValerieChavarin 4F
Posts: 99
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

You take a look at the K value. If it is less than 10^-3, then you can approximate. If the K value is 10^-3, it can get a bit tricky, so I would still do the full calculation.

Ayushi2011
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

If K value is very small, we can approximate.

William Francis 2E
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:20 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

You can check that your approximation is valid after solving by showing that your calculated x value is less than 5 percent of the initial concentration of the weak acid or base being used.

Tahlia Mullins
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

To verify that the approximation is valid, divide x by the initial value and multiply by 100, and if the value is less than 5%, then it is valid.

Kylie Lim 4G
Posts: 110
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

You can approximate that x is 0 when K<10^-3. You can always check to see if an approximation is valid if x is less than 5% of the initial concentration.

Megan Cao 1I
Posts: 103
Joined: Sat Sep 07, 2019 12:18 am

### Re: ICE table approximation

you can approximate shortcut when K is less than 10-3.