Question

Explain the formation of hydronium ion and ammonium ion.

Short answer

Question: Explain the formation of hydronium and ammonium ions in an aqueous solution. Answer: Hydronium ions (H3O+) are formed when acids dissolve in water and donate a proton (H+) to water molecules. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociates into an anion (Cl-) and a free H+ ion, which forms a hydronium ion with water. On the other hand, ammonium ions (NH4+) are formed when ammonia (NH3) dissolves in water and accepts a proton from water molecules, creating ammonium ions and hydroxide ions (OH-). These ions are crucial in understanding the acidic and basic properties of water-soluble compounds.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the context and importance of hydronium and ammonium ions

Hydronium ions and ammonium ions are formed when acids and bases react in an aqueous solution. These ions are essential in understanding the concept of acidity and alkalinity in chemistry, and they contribute to the essential properties of water-soluble acids and bases.

Discuss the formation of hydronium ion

When an acid is dissolved in water, it donates a proton (H+) to water molecules. The acid dissociates to form an anion and a free H+ ion. The water molecules attract the free H+ protons, forming hydronium ions (H3O+). The reaction can be represented as follows: Acid + H2O -> Anion + H3O+ For example, in the case of hydrochloric acid (HCl): HCl + H2O -> Cl- + H3O+ The formation of hydronium ions is responsible for the acidic properties of an aqueous solution.

Discuss the formation of ammonium ion

When ammonia (NH3) is dissolved in water, it acts as a base by accepting the proton (H+) from water molecules. This proton transfer causes the formation of ammonium ions (NH4+) in the solution. The reaction can be represented as follows: NH3 + H2O -> NH4+ + OH- Here, ammonia accepts a proton (H+) from water, leading to the formation of ammonium ions and hydroxide ions (OH-). The presence of hydroxide ions is responsible for the basic properties of the aqueous solution.

Summarize the formation of hydronium and ammonium ions

In summary, the formation of hydronium and ammonium ions occurs through the reaction of acids and bases in aqueous solutions. Hydronium ions (H3O+) are formed when acids donate a proton to water, while ammonium ions (NH4+) are formed when ammonia (NH3) accepts a proton from water. These ions play a crucial role in understanding the acidic and basic properties of water-soluble compounds.