Here is a short explanation of the “x is small” approximation that allows you to solve Equilibrium

calculations without having to use the quadratic equation.

Note: the tip to knowing when you can use the x is small approximation is when the initial
concentration of the reactant is at least 1000 times larger than the value of the equilibrium
constant K. (Note, K is not k!)

For example, suppose I put 1.0 mol of HF in a 1 L container and then fill it with water. The
resulting equilibrium reaction is HF(aq) + H2O(l) = H3O+(aq) + F-(aq) and Kc is 6.6 x 10^-4.

Suppose now I want to know the equilibrium concenteations of H3O+ and F-. I set up an ICE
chart.

HF(aq) + H2O(l) = H3O+(aq) + F-(aq)

I. 1.0 M N/A 0 0

C. -x N/A +x +x

E. 1.0 - x N/A x x

Where Kc = 6.6 x 10^-4 = [H3O+][F-]/[HF] = x^2/(1.0 - x)

The equation 6.6 x 10^-4 = x^2/(1.0 - x) requires the quadratic equation to solve for x.

However, since the initial HF concentration is 1000 times bigger than Kc, i.e., 1.0 M >> 6.6x10^-
4, then you can be pretty sure that x is so small that (1.0 - x) ≈ 1.0.

(In this example l, 1.0/(6.6x10^-4) = 1515, so 1.0 M >> Kc.)

Then we can shorten

Kc = 6.6 x 10^-4 = x^2/(1.0 - x)

To just

Kc = 6.6 x 10^-4 = x^2/(1.0), which is much easier to solve for x than the original equation.

Once I have x, I see from the ICE chart that x = [H3O+] and x = [F-].

**The way you know is if the initial concentration is 1000x bigger than the value of K.**