ICF Table Tutorial

Tutorial for Experiment: ICF Table

EXAMPLE: If the initial number of B molecules is 12 and the change in the number of A molecules is -5, how many molecules will occupy the reaction container at the completion of the reaction? A is the limiting reactant.

DEFINE THE PROBLEM AND PROPOSE A SOLUTION:

  1. Sketch an ICF Table and enter the known values for the initial number of B molecules, the initial number of C molecules, and the change in the number of A molecules.



  2. Since A is the limiting reactant, enter zero for the final number of A molecules.



  3. The sum of the initial number of A molecules and the change in the number of A molcules is equal to the final number of A molecules. Hence, the initial number of A molecules must be 5.



  4. Place 5 under A in the initial row of the ICF Table.



  5. Use the concept that the changes in the numbers of molecules of reactants and products are related by mole ratios and calculate the changes in the number of molecules of B and the number of molecules of C .



  6. Enter -5 for the change in the number of B molecules and 10 for the change in the number of C molecules.



  7. Add the values for the initial number of molecules and the change in the number of molecules to obtain the final number of molecules of B and C



  8. Hypothesis: 17 molecules will occupy the reaction container at the completion of the reaction.




EXPERIMENT: To test the hypothesis allow 5 molecules of A to react with 12 molecules of B.

PROCEDURE:

  1. Enter 5 for the number of A molecules and 12 for the number of B molecules.



  2. Click the button to initiate the reaction.



  3. Allow the animation to proceed until C molecules no longer form.


    How many molecules are in the reaction container?


  4. Click the button and record the final number of the A molecules.



  5. Next, click the button and enter the initial numbers of the A, B, and C molecules and the final number of A molecules in the ICF Table.



  6. Enter the changes that you calculated previously.



  7. Add the change in the number of molecules to the initial number of molecules to obtain the final number of molecules of B and C.



  8. Click the button to check your calculations.





RESULTS and OBSERVATIONS: Seventeen molecules (7 B and 10 C molecules) occupied the reaction container at the completion of the reaction. Our hypothesis is correct.