ICE Table

[Raquel Rodriguez]

Is their a way you can figure out you need to use an ICE table for the problem?

[Jonathan Zhao 4H]

Usually, if the problem gives you initial concentrations of the reactants and asks for the equilibrium concentrations of each molecule, you can most likely use an ICE table to solve the problem.

[monikac4k]

Ice tables usually come up when we are asked to find the concentrations of products and reactants at equilibrium, but the problem only gives us the initial conditions.

[Kriti Goyal 4K 19]

ICE tables are usually used when you are given the initial concentration of a certain substance in the reaction and need to identify the concentration of another substance(usually hydronium or hydroxide ions you need to calculate pH or pOH).

[Tuong-Minh Tran 1C]

While trying to find equilibrium concentrations based on initial concentrations is definitely a factor in deciding whether to use an ICE table, there are also other points to consider. Most importantly, its best to make sure whether the acid or base on the reactants side is weak or strong. If the acid/base is strong, then they will be nearly 100% converted, making the ICE table unnecessary. However, it is when the acid/base is weak that the table comes into play.

[Raquel Rodriguez]

So if they give me a Ka value it is most likely an ice table problem?

[mbaker4E]

You would only need to use an ICE table if you are specifically asked to get from initial concentrations to equilibrium concentrations or vise versa. Usually you can go through a problem and if you think you need ICE table then you can try it out but if you don't have enough information for it or it doesn't bring you any new information you can usually figure out if its necessary or not. If they provide you with a Ka or Kb value and initial concentrations, there is a good chance you will need ICE table to find the equilibrium values.