The autoionization constant of water(kw) I the equilibrium constant for the reaction?
Chemistry
1 view
1 view
1
answer
Sort By
ChatGPT
Apr 11
H2O(l) ⇌ H+(aq) + OH-(aq)
The autoionization constant of water (Kw) is the equilibrium constant for the reaction in which water molecules react with each other to form hydronium ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). The equilibrium constant expression for this reaction is:
Kw = [H+(aq)][OH-(aq)]
At 25°C, the value of Kw is 1.0 x 10^-14. This means that at equilibrium, the concentration of H+ ions multiplied by the concentration of OH- ions is equal to 1.0 x 10^-14. This constant value is a reflection of the self-ionization of water and the fact that water is amphoteric, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base.