Final answer:
An ICE table must start with a balanced chemical equation, which is used to calculate the equilibrium concentrations of reactants and products by setting up initial concentrations, changes during reaction, and the final equilibrium in a tabular form.
Step-by-step explanation:
To start an ICE table, you must begin with a balanced chemical equation for the reaction at equilibrium. An ICE table, which stands for Initial, Change, and Equilibrium, is a tool used to calculate the equilibrium concentrations of reactants and products in a chemical reaction. You must first identify the direction in which the reaction will proceed to reach equilibrium before you can develop an ICE table. The initial concentrations of reactants and products go in the first row, changes in these concentrations as the reaction approaches equilibrium go in the second row, and the equilibrium concentrations are represented in the last row. The changes must be according to the stoichiometric ratios given in the balanced equation. The equilibrium row's expressions are then used in the equilibrium constant (Keq) expression to solve for the unknown concentrations.