Final answer:
To solve the problem, we used the ICE table based on the given equilibrium concentrations and chemical equation. We determined that the initial concentrations of N2 and H2 were 12.0M and 10.0M, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the initial concentration of H2 and N2 in the chemical reaction N(g)+3H2( g) ⇌ 2NH3( g) at high temperature, we need to utilize the Initial, Change, and Equilibrium (ICE) table which allows us to account changes in concentration through the progress of the chemical reaction.
Given that at equilibrium the concentrations are 5.0M H2, 8.0M N2, and 4.0M NH3. Since the reaction involves one molecule of N2 reacting with three molecules of H2 to form 2 molecules of NH3, the concentration changes are represented as:
N2: Initial = x, Change = -4.0M, Equilibrium = x - 4.0M = 8.0M
H2: Initial = y, Change = -5.0M, Equilibrium = y - 5.0M = 5.0M
From this, we can find that the initial concentrations of N2 and H2 were 12.0M and 10.0M, respectively.
Learn more about Chemical Equilibrium