Which statement about the self-ionization of water is correct? a. Two water molecules interact to form a water molecule and a hydroxide ion. b. Two water molecules interact to form a hydronium ion and a hydroxide ion. c. Two water molecules interact to form two hydronium ions. d. Two water molecules interact to form two hydroxide ions.
Answer: The correct answer is Option b.
Explanation:
Water is the compound which is formed by the covalent bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The chemical formula for this compound is \(H_2O\)
Self-ionization of water is defined as the process in which 2 water molecules react together to produce hydroxide ion and hydronium ion.
The equation for the self ionization of water molecule follows:
\(2H_2O(l)\rightarrow H_3O^+(aq.)+OH^-(aq,)\)
By Stoichiometry of the reaction:
2 moles of water molecules react together to produce 1 mole of hydronium ion and 1 mole of hydroxide ion.
Hence, the correct answer is Option b.