when we do an ICE table do we assume that reaction proceeds in forward direction. Reactants being used up, products formed.
Chemistry Question Thread
4 days later
chemistry1111
Not necessarily, it depends on the \Delta H value. If it’s negative, it’s exothermic, meaning it proceeds in the forward direction. And vice versa for an endothermic reaction.
There are times you end up with more reactants than products showing that it’s a backwards reaction.
Hope this clears it up, ask more questions if need,
-jinx_58
oh thanks also what environment do you balance discharge reactions?
- Edited
"Not necessarily, it depends on the \Delta H value. If it’s negative, it’s exothermic, meaning it proceeds in the forward direction. And vice versa for an endothermic reaction."
Not quite; This is true for when the system has been cooled and is partially opposing that change but not always.
chemistry1111
Usually for an ICE table you are given the equilibrium amount of something and the initial, which you can use to determine the change (including the direction of change) and apply that across. The direction the reaction proceeds in can be predicted by Le Chatlier's Principle, which is a whole sub-topic to learn.
If you start of with only reactants, it will have to start off with the forwards reaction. Sometimes this is the case for ICE table questions. If you started with only products, it would have to start off with the backwards reaction.