When an acid dissolves in water, hydrogen ions (H+) are released. What happens to them?
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A.
They remain as free H+ ions in the solution.
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B.
They combine with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H3O+).
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C.
They form hydrogen gas (H2).
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D.
They combine with hydroxide ions (OH−) to form neutral molecules.
Correct Answer:
B. They combine with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H3O+).
Explanation:
When an acid dissolves in water, it releases hydrogen ions (H+), which are essentially bare protons. These ions are highly reactive and cannot exist independently in an aqueous solution. Instead, they immediately bond with surrounding water molecules (H2O) through coordinate covalent bonds. This reaction results in the formation of hydronium ions (H3O+). Therefore, the correct explanation is that hydrogen ions combine with water molecules to exist as hydronium ions in the solution.
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