What Particles Form When Water Ionizes?

Ions form when molecules acquire a positive or negative charge by gaining or losing hydrogen, also known as a proton. This is usually done in the presence of water. Water molecules also form ions.
  1. Acids

    • Acids are molecules that release, or give off, protons. A hydronium ion (H3O+) is an acid because it is likely to release a proton to form water (H2O).

    Bases

    • Bases are molecules that receive, or take up, protons. The hydroxide ion (HO-) is an acid because it is likely to receive a hydrogen molecule to become water (H2O).

    Ionization

    • An ion is an atom or molecule with a charge. If a hydrogen is added to the water molecule, a +1 charge is added for a net charge of +1. If a hydrogen is removed from the water molecule, a +1 charge is removed for a net charge of -1. These new molecules are ions.

    Self-Ionization of Water

    • Water's unique property is that it acts as an acid and a base and it will act on itself to form ions. The ions formed during the ionization of water are the hydronium ion (H3O+) and the hydroxide ion (HO-).

    Impurities

    • Most water is full of impurities. As a result, other ions may be present, such as sodium and chloride ions (when water dissolves sodium chloride molecules).

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