Multiple Choice
What is the charge of the hydronium ion (H_3O^+)?
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2. Atoms & Elements
Ions
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When water ionizes, which ions are produced?
A
Na+ and OH-
B
H3O+ and OH-
C
H2O+ and O2-
D
H+ and Cl-
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that water ionizes through a process called autoionization or self-ionization, where two water molecules interact to produce ions.
Recall the chemical equation for water ionization: $\mathrm{2\ H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_3O^+ + OH^-}$, where one water molecule donates a proton (H+) to another water molecule.
Identify the ions produced: the hydronium ion ($\mathrm{H_3O^+}$), which is a water molecule with an extra proton, and the hydroxide ion ($\mathrm{OH^-}$), which is water that has lost a proton.
Note that $\mathrm{Na^+}$ and $\mathrm{Cl^-}$ are ions from common salts, not from water ionization, and $\mathrm{H_2O^+}$ and $\mathrm{O^{2-}}$ are not typical ions formed in water ionization.
Conclude that the correct ions produced when water ionizes are $\mathrm{H_3O^+}$ and $\mathrm{OH^-}$.
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