How can the ionization of water be represented?

1 Answer
anor277
Nov 26, 2015

Because water can ionize to some extent, according to the given reaction.

Explanation:

#2H_2O rightleftharpoons H_3O^+ + OH^-#

This is another equilibrium reaction; and is most commonly quoted for a temperature of #298# #K#.

At this temperature, #K_a# #=# #[H_3O^+][OH^-]# #=# #10^(-14)#. Would you expect #K_a# to increase or decrease at temperatures #># #298K#? Why or why not?

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