Question

autoionization occurs when two solvent molecules collide and a proton is transferred between them. write the autoionization reaction for water. submit answer retry entire group 6 more group attempts remaining

Explanation:

Step1: Understand autoionization concept

Autoionization involves proton transfer between solvent molecules. For water (\(H_2O\)), one \(H_2O\) acts as an acid (donates \(H^+\)) and another as a base (accepts \(H^+\)).

Step2: Write the reaction

When two \(H_2O\) molecules collide, the reaction is \(H_2O + H_2O
ightleftharpoons H_3O^+ + OH^-\). The first \(H_2O\) donates a proton (\(H^+\)) to the second \(H_2O\). The proton - accepting \(H_2O\) becomes \(H_3O^+\) (hydronium ion) and the proton - donating \(H_2O\) becomes \(OH^-\) (hydroxide ion).

Answer:

\(H_2O + H_2O
ightleftharpoons H_3O^+ + OH^-\)