Direction of the equilibrium

[Sophie Krylova 2J]

If for the ice box problem you are given initial concentrations and not asked to find Q, can you assume that the reaction will proceed to the products side, or do we always need to find Q first to make sure of the direction?

[Katie Lam 1B]

Usually only the reactants have concentrations since none of the products have been formed yet (Q=0) so the reaction proceeds to the products. If the initial product concentrations are also given, it's not a bad idea to check Q to see which direction the reaction proceeds.

[Alex Nechaev 1I]

It's always best to find Q to check the direction of the reaction. This way you just eliminate any chances of making mistakes at the beginning and know for sure that you're calculating correctly.