Why is Water Neutral?
In a sample of water
a very small number of water molecules will
form ions.
water
hydrogen ion
+ hydroxide ion.
H2O(l)
H+(aq)
+ OH-(aq)
This ionisation is reversible (shown by the
arrow).
The hydrogen
ion is acidic. The hydroxide ion is
alkaline.
Water forms equal amounts of both
ions, and so water is neutral.
Compare this reaction with neutralisation.
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Copyright © 2012 Dr. Colin France. All Rights Reserved.