Final answer:
The question pertains to an acid-base reaction where an acid such as acetic acid dissociates in water forming hydronium and acetate ions. It is a reversible reaction indicating a state of chemical equilibrium. In water self-ionization, one molecule of water donates an H+ and the other accepts, forming hydronium and hydroxide ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about an acid-base reaction in an aqueous solution. When an acid reacts with water, it can donate a hydrogen ion (H+) to form a hydronium ion (H3O+). A common example of such a reaction is the dissociation of a weak acid, like acetic acid (CH3COOH), in water which can be represented as:
CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) ↔ H3O+ (aq) + CH3COO¯ (aq)
This reaction is reversible, indicating it has reached a chemical equilibrium where the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate. The reaction shows the formation of hydronium ions and acetate ions from acetic acid and water. In the case of water self-ionization:
2H2O(l) ↔ H3O+ (aq) + OH¯ (aq)
One water molecule acts as an acid, donating an H+, while the other acts as a base, accepting the H+, resulting in hydronium and hydroxide ions.