asked 54.4k views
5 votes
what actually is left over of water once it self ionizes? Like what exactly are the hydrogen and hydroxide ions? Do they remain a liquid?

asked
User Tixxit
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

4 votes
The formula for the self ionization of water is 2H₂O(l)⇄H₃O⁺(aq)+OH⁻(aq)

The hydronium (H₃O⁺) is usually just referred to as a hydrogen ion or a proton (H⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) doesn't have another name that I am aware of. These ions do stay in solution. However the concentrations are really small and the equilibrium constant (K(w)) is 1×10⁻¹⁴.

I hope this helps. Let me know if anything is unclear.
answered
User Pablopixel
by
9.2k points
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