Question:
The hydronium ion is:
The hydronium ion is:
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A proton in water always attaches to a water molecule first.
Updated On: Jul 16, 2026
- H+
- HO-
- H2+
- H3O+
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: A free H+ ion, a bare proton, is extremely reactive and does not exist alone in water. It immediately attaches itself to a water molecule.
Step 2: A water molecule, H2O, has two lone pairs of electrons on its oxygen atom. One of these lone pairs forms a coordinate bond with the incoming H+ ion.
Step 3: This gives the ion \(H_3O^+\), where oxygen is now bonded to three hydrogen atoms and carries a positive charge. This species is called the hydronium ion, or oxonium ion.
Step 4: HO- is the hydroxide ion, not hydronium. H2+ is not a species formed in aqueous acid chemistry. H+ alone is just the bare proton before it hydrates.
Answer: The hydronium ion is H3O+, option D.
Step 2: A water molecule, H2O, has two lone pairs of electrons on its oxygen atom. One of these lone pairs forms a coordinate bond with the incoming H+ ion.
Step 3: This gives the ion \(H_3O^+\), where oxygen is now bonded to three hydrogen atoms and carries a positive charge. This species is called the hydronium ion, or oxonium ion.
Step 4: HO- is the hydroxide ion, not hydronium. H2+ is not a species formed in aqueous acid chemistry. H+ alone is just the bare proton before it hydrates.
Answer: The hydronium ion is H3O+, option D.
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