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Figure 17.6

PRELIMINARY SET UP

WORKING ON A REACTION TABLE

SOLVING FOR x AND EQUILIBRIUM QUANTITIES

• Write balanced equation.

• Write reaction quotient, Q.

• Convert all amounts into the correct units (M or atm).

• When reaction direction is not known, compare Q with K.

• Construct a reaction table.

Check the sign of x, the change in the quantity.

• Substitute the quantities into Q.

• To simplify the math, assume that x is negligible.

• [A]init - x = [A]eq ­ [A]init

• Solve for x.

• Find the equilibrium quantities.

Check that calculated values give the known K.

Check that assumption is justified (< 5% error). If not, solve quadratic equation for x.

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General procedure to solve equilibrium problems

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