Asked by j

Which of these equations correctly expresses the self-ionization of water?

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
The correct expression is
2 H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + OH−(aq)

(Or in the simplified form often seen: H2O(l) ⇌ H+(aq) + OH−(aq).)

This is an equilibrium (Kw = [H3O+][OH−] = 1.0×10−14 at 25 °C), reflecting water’s self-ionization (amphiprotic behavior).