CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

In a question, how are we able to tell when to use and ICE chart??

You will use an ICE chart when given the initial concentration of something (especially a weak acid). You then use the ICE chart to find the concentrations at equilibrium--- these concentrations are used to solve for K.

Typically the problems provide initial molarity or ask for you to calculate the molarity or initial values. I is for initial molarity, C is for change, and E is for equilibrium concentration

For those problems, you are usually given an initial molarity/partial pressure and are asked to find values relating to the equation being at equilibrium

I think the main reason for using an ice chart would be that you are given a weak acid. If you are given a strong acid, there is no need to use one because we can assume that the acid completely dissociates. For a weak acid, on the other hand, it only partially dissociates, which is where an ice chart comes in handy.

Technically you could solve a problem without using an ice chart, it's just an easier way to organize and understand the information you are given.

ICE charts are useful when working with weak acids which only partially dissociate in solution.

when they give you the initial value of a weak acid.