SCH4U – Chemistry Lesson 17

One convenient method for solving equilibrium problems is by using an I.C.E table.

I - Initial concentration

C - Change in concentration

E - Equilibrium concentration
So we will begin by setting up an ICE table for this reaction.

H2(g) + F2(g) ļ 2HF(g)

Initial concentration (mol/L) 1.00 1.00 0.00
Change in concentration (mol/L)
Equilibrium concentration (mol/L)

By the time equilibrium has been reached, a certain amount of H2(g)and F2(g) will have
formed product (HF). However since an equilibrium is indicated by the arrow (ļ), the
reaction will not go to completion (completely to the right). Rather at equilibrium, there
will be amounts of each reactant and product available.

We will assign the variable “x” to represent the change in concentrations of reactants
and products. Assuming that some of the H2(g) and F2(g) we start with will be converted
(or lost in the formation of HF), we will assign them the value of –x, and the amount of
HF formed will be +2x. Notice how the co-efficients for the balanced equation are
included. Let’s fill in our ICE table:

H2(g) + F2(g) ļ 2HF(g)

Initial concentration (mol/L) 1.00 1.00 0.00
Change in concentration (mol/L) -x -x +2x
Equilibrium concentration (mol/L) 1.00-x 1.00-x +2x

Knowing that the equilibrium concentration of F2(g) is 0.24mol/L, you can determine the
value of x.

1.0mol / L  x 0.24mol / L
x 0.76mol / L
x 0.76mol / L

Now substitute the value of x to calculate the equilibrium concentrations of H2(g) and HF.

[H2(g)]equilibrium = 1.00 mol/L –x [HF(g)]equilibrium =2x

= 1.00 mol/L – 0.76 mol/L = 2(0.76mol/L)
= 0.24 mol/L = 1.52 mol/L

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