Chemical Equilibrium and Concentration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of equilibrium concentrations in a chemical reaction, specifically the reaction between hydrogen and fluorine to form hydrogen fluoride. Participants explore the use of an ICE table for determining equilibrium concentrations and share their experiences and preferences regarding its application in different types of chemical problems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation attempt for the equilibrium concentration of HF, noting confusion about arriving at the answer of 1.5M.
  • Another participant suggests using an ICE table to account for the changes in equilibrium concentrations of hydrogen and fluorine.
  • A later reply questions the criteria for using an ICE table in problems, seeking clarification on its applicability.
  • One participant asserts that an ICE table should be used when initial, change, and equilibrium concentrations are clearly defined, while also advising against its use for buffer questions.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using an ICE table for a buffer solution, noting that it yielded the same result as the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, which they found quicker.
  • One participant clarifies that they did not claim it is impossible to use an ICE table for buffer questions, but rather that it may not be the most sensible approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the use of ICE tables, particularly in relation to buffer problems. There is no consensus on the best approach for using ICE tables in various contexts.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the mathematical steps involved in calculating equilibrium concentrations, and the discussion reflects varying assumptions about when to apply ICE tables.

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The reaction between hydrogen and fluorine has an equilibrium constant of 1.15x102 at a certain temperature. Given the reaction equation H2(g) + F2(g) -> 2HF(g), calculate the equilibrium concentration of HF after 3.00 mol of each component is added to a 1.500 L flask.

I attempted solving it by calculating the concentration of H2 and F2 which were each 2 (3/1.5). Afterwards, I formed the equilibrium expression and multiplied 2 squared (for H2 and F2) with 1.15x102. Then I found the square root of the answer since HF would be raised to the power of 2 which was about 21. However, the answer is 1.5M and I don't know how they got that.
 
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Hydrogen and fluorine react, so their equilibrium concentrations are different from the initial ones. ICE table?
 
Borek said:
Hydrogen and fluorine react, so their equilibrium concentrations are different from the initial ones. ICE table?

Thanks. How do you know when to use an ICE table in a question?
 
Whenever it is obvious that I, C and E are nicely defined.

Just don't use ICE table for buffer questions.
 
Borek said:
Whenever it is obvious that I, C and E are nicely defined.

Just don't use ICE table for buffer questions.

I tried an ICE table for a buffer solution once but it gives me the same answer as the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation anyways (which is quicker to plug in all the numbers.)
 
I never stated it is impossible to do buffer questions with ICE table, it just IMHO doesn't make sense.
 

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