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Home Concept Builders Kinetics and Equilibrium Equilibrium ICE Tables Directions

Equilibrium ICE Tables - Directions

Using the Equilibrium-ICE-Table Concept Builder is quite simple. There are three different Dificulty Levels. Each level involves the same six steps. By doing the six steps, you are completing an ICE Table and using it to solve for the equilibrium constant value for the given reaction at that specific temperature.Once a step is completed correctly, you progress to the next step. Here are directions for the individual steps.

Step 1: The first line on the screen reports the chemical equation for the reaction under study. Your first step involves identifying the equilibrium constant expression for this reaction. You do so by tapping on the active area to the right of the Table. As you tap, an equilibrium constant expression is displayed. Continued tapping toggles through the 7 or 8 possible answer options. When you feel you have toggled to the correct expression, tap on the Check Answers button. Your choice will be evaluated and feedback will be given. If your choice is correct, then you will proceed to Step 2. Otherwise you will be given additional opportunities to make the right choice.

Step 2: In step 2, you will complete the first row of the ICE Table - the Initial Concentration row. You will find the Initial Concentrations listed in the given information above the table. Enter these values into the three cells of the first row. You do this by tapping on a cell. A Number Pad pops up and you can use it to enter the answer. Once you have entered one or more answers, you can tap on the Check Answers button. Your answers will be evaluated and feedback will be given. If your answer is correct, the field will display a green background and you will no longer be able to edit it. If your answer is incorrect, the field will display a red (or pink) background and you can continue to edit the value until you get it right.Once all three fields are correct, you will proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: In step 3, you will complete the middle row of the ICE Table - the Change in Concentration row. This will be expressed in the form of the variable x. You enter this expression using the Symbol Pad. Tapping on a cell in the middle row will pop up the Symbol Pad with its 12 answer options. An add or subtract symbole will proceed each x expression. The add means that the reactant or product is being formed and the amount of it will increase. The subtract means that the reactant or product is reacting away and the amount of it will decreases.Once you have entered one or more answers, you can tap on the Check Answers button. Your answers will be evaluated and feedback will be given. If your answer is correct, the field will display a green background and you will no longer be able to edit it. If your answer is incorrect, the field will display a red (or pink) background and you can continue to edit the value until you get it right.Once all three fields are correct, you will proceed to Step 4.

After you complete Step 3 and before Step 4 is completed, the last row of the ICE Table - the Equilibrium Concentration row - is completed for you. It is an expression that is equal to the initial concenttration (Row I) plus the change in concentration (Row C). You will use these expressions in Steps 4 and 5.

Step 4: In step 4, you will determine the value of x (as used in the middle row of the ICE Table). The actual equation to use is listed below the table. Its based on the expression in the bottom row (Equilibrium Concentration) and the value given for the equilibrium concentration for one of the reactants or products. Do the math; solve for x. Enter the value of x into the answer field using the Number Pad. Access the Number Pad by tapping on the grey answer field. Then tap on the Check Answers button. Your answer will be evaluated and feedback will be given. If correct, the field will display a green background and you will no longer be able to edit it. You will then proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: In step 5, you will determine the equilibrium concentration values of the three reactants and products. There are grey answer fields that you will use to enter your answer. Tapping on the field pops up the Number Pad. You can enter your answers using the Number Pad. Once you have entered one or more answers, you can tap on the Check Answers button. Your answers will be evaluated and feedback will be given. If your answer is correct, the field will display a green background and you will no longer be able to edit it. If an answer is incorrect, the field will display a red (or pink) background and you can continue to edit the value until you get it right. Be sure to use the value of x (Step 4) and the expressions for these concentration values. Plug in x and do the math; solve for concentration. Once all three fields are correct, you will proceed to Step 6.

Step 6: In step 6, you will determine the value of K (the equilibrium constant). You determined the equation for K in Step 1. It is still listed to the right of the ICE Table. You know all equilibrium concentrations. Substitute them into the K equation and use your calculator to solve for K. Tap on the grey K field to pop up the Number Pad. Use the Number Pad to enter the calculated value of K. Then tap on the Check Answers button. Your answer will be evaluated and feedback will be given. If correct, your progress in the Concept Builder will be analyzed. If you have completed four ICE problems, then you will be taken to the Main Menu and rewarded the Trophy.

Concept Builder Teacher Notes