What is the equilibrium constant expression for the autoionization of water?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the correct expression of the equilibrium constant for the autoionization of water, which involves understanding the concentrations of the species involved in this reaction.
Answer
Kw = [H₃O⁺][OH⁻].
The equilibrium constant expression for the autoionization of water is Kw = [H₃O⁺][OH⁻].
Answer for screen readers
The equilibrium constant expression for the autoionization of water is Kw = [H₃O⁺][OH⁻].
More Information
In the autoionization of water, water molecules react with each other to form hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in equilibrium. Kw, the ion-product constant, is temperature-dependent and commonly valued at 1.0 x 10⁻¹⁴ at 25°C.
Tips
Avoid confusing hydronium (H₃O⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) ions with their neutral form (H₂O). Forgetting to consider temperature variations that affect Kw is also a pitfall.
Sources
- Water autoionization and Kw - khanacademy.org
- 16.3: The Autoionization of Water - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
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