Final answer:
The self-ionization of water is represented by the reaction H₂O(l) ⇌ H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) with an equilibrium constant called the ion-product for water, Kw, which equals [H⁺][OH⁻] at a value of 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ at 25°C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation that represents the self-ionization of water is:
H₂O(l) ⇌ H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)
The equilibrium constant for this process is known as the ion product for water, symbolized by Kw. This constant is defined by the equation Kw = [H⁺][OH⁻], where the concentration of hydrogen ions is represented by [H⁺] and the concentration of hydroxide ions by [OH⁻].
At standard conditions of 25°C, the value of Kw is 1.0 × 10⁻¹⁴, indicating that the reaction heavily favors the reactants, hence the self-ionization of water is minimal.
However, the extent of ionization increases with temperature.