What is the difference between H + and H 3 O + ?

Hey, everyone, we're asked true or false. The reaction between our hydrogen ion and our hydroxide ion yields a hydro num ion. First, let's go ahead and write out this reaction. So we have our hydrogen ion and we're going to react it with our hydroxide ion. When these two react, we end up with water. So this reaction is actually a neutralization reaction and our product comes up to water. So to answer this question, this statement would be a false statement since we produce water and not a hydro num ion. But let's go ahead and think about how we can produce a hydro num ion. So we take our hydrogen ion and we react it with water. Now, when these two react, we end up with that hydro num ion. So in order to yield a hydro num ion, we would have to react our hydrogen ion with water instead of our hydroxide ion. Now, I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions.

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1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

10. Acids and Bases

The pH Scale

GOB Chemistry

10. Acids and Bases

The pH Scale

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Problem 43

Textbook Question

What is the difference between H⁺ and H₃O⁺?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that H⁺ represents a hydrogen ion, which is essentially a proton. It is formed when a hydrogen atom loses its single electron, leaving only the nucleus (a single proton).

Recognize that H₃O⁺, known as the hydronium ion, is a more realistic representation of how H⁺ exists in aqueous solutions. Free protons (H⁺) are highly reactive and do not exist independently in water.

Learn that in water, H⁺ associates with a water molecule (H₂O) to form H₃O⁺. This process is represented by the reaction:

H_{2} O + H ⁺ \to H_{3} O ⁺

Understand that H⁺ and H₃O⁺ are often used interchangeably in chemistry, but H₃O⁺ is the more accurate representation in aqueous solutions because it accounts for the interaction of the proton with water molecules.

Remember that the presence of H₃O⁺ in a solution is what determines its acidity. The concentration of H₃O⁺ (or equivalently H⁺) is used to calculate the pH of the solution.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Proton (H⁺)

A proton, represented as H⁺, is a positively charged particle that is essentially a hydrogen atom stripped of its electron. It plays a crucial role in acid-base chemistry, as it is often associated with the behavior of acids in solution. In aqueous solutions, protons do not exist freely but are typically associated with water molecules.

Hydronium Ion (H₃O⁺)

The hydronium ion, denoted as H₃O⁺, forms when a proton (H⁺) interacts with a water molecule (H₂O). This ion is the actual species that exists in aqueous solutions when acids dissolve, as it represents the transfer of a proton to water. The presence of hydronium ions is fundamental in determining the acidity of a solution.

Acidity and pH

Acidity refers to the concentration of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) in a solution, which directly influences the solution's pH level. The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, quantifies how acidic or basic a solution is, with lower values indicating higher acidity. Understanding the relationship between H⁺, H₃O⁺, and pH is essential for grasping concepts in acid-base chemistry.

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