Kinetics & Equilibrium
What You’ll Learn
ICE tables are a matrix formalism used to simplify calculations for reversible equilibrium reactions, weak acids/bases, and complex ion formation. The ICE table has three rows - Initial concentrations, Change in concentrations, and Equilibrium concentrations - which are used to set up the variables and constants needed to solve for the equilibrium constant (K). To solve an ICE table, you first fill in the given initial concentrations, then determine the change in concentrations needed to reach equilibrium, and finally calculate the equilibrium concentrations, which can then be plugged into the equilibrium constant expression. The ICE table approach provides a systematic way to organize and solve equilibrium problems.