Which equilibrium expression represents the ionization of water?

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Alexis Dawson

Chemistry

10 July, 06:06

Which equilibrium expression represents the ionization of water?

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Tatiana Wiley · Answer 1

The equilibrium constant expression for this reaction that takes place in water and involve ions can be written as K = [H_3 O^ + ][OH^ - ] / ([H_2 O] ^2). But the concentration of undissociated water, H_2 O is much larger than the concentration of the ions that is essentially remains constant. Therefore, we can include it in the equilibrium constant. The resulting new equilibrium constant can be written: K_W = [H_3 O^ + ][OH^ - ].