Hello! Here we are again, a little further into the semester. We have really stepped up the game, and it is very apparent that this is not Gen Chem I anymore. This section of the semester covered Equilibrium concepts – and I am generally comfortable with the thought of chemical equilibrium. Equilibrium is defined as the the point at which the rate of formation of products equals the rate of formation of the reactants. What I will admit I am having trouble with, though, is the math.
I understand the need for an ICE Table, and while it would help if I actually knew what ‘ICE’ stood for, I find it to be relatively pointless. If the equilibrium constant is a function of products over reactants, why is it necessary to build a table of these values? I suppose it is a learning tool, but every time I see it being built I groan. I would much rather construct the equation under the knowledge of exactly how the equilibrium constant is formulated, that is; the concentrations of products raised to their respective mole ratios, over the concentrations of reactants raised to their respective mole ratios.
Sitting at a desk trying to solve these equations from given initial concentrations and given pH values does not do acid/base equilibria justice. I felt that the lab that correlated with this material helped tremendously more than the lecture. Doing the experiment in person makes much more sense than doing it on paper. I am not sure if I am the only one, but I would be so much happier if we could do a titration in the exam room than solve these equations on paper!
Another concept I am struggling with is the concept of a buffer. The internet says that a buffer solution’s pH will not change much when it is mixed with a strong acid or strong base. I do not understand this mechanism very well and feel that it is imperative I understand this prior to the exam.
Speaking of the exam, I am again waiting until the last possible day to take it – and for my own good given how confident I am with everything on acid-base and equilibrium right now. I have a pretty busy week, so I expect this exam to reflect my lowest grade, but luckily we will get to drop at least one exam by the end of the semester. Thanks for reading! Wish me luck!
CHEM1810 Journal 