Acids and Bases Ice Box

[EthanPham_1G]

When we make the ice box for acids and base problems, how do we know if we need to use Ka or Kb to solve for x?

[Kaitlyn Ang 1J]

If one of the products in the reaction is H3O+, use Ka because the original compound given was an acid.
If one of the products in the reaction is OH-, use Kb because the original compound given was a base.

[Bryan Chen 1H]

i suggest writing out the chemical reaction taking place and looking at the reactants side. If its like a base dissociating, then use kb, for example.

[peteryim]

In summary of the above comments, using Ka or Kb is situational. However, many times the question will give you the constant that you need to answer the question.

[Alison Trinh 1E]

What is the purpose of an ICE Box?

[Andres Merlos 2L]

What is the purpose of an ICE Box?

It is a step-by-step procedure that is used to put concentrations in terms of x, which you can then solve using approximation or the quadratic formula. You can then find a various amount of information with x such as K_A, pH, etc.