Question

A hydrogen ion, H+, is the same as a(n)

A) hydronium ion.
B) proton.
C) electron.
D) hydrate

Answer 1

A hydrogen ion, H+, is the same as a proton. It is a hydrogen atom that has lost its lone electron. Therefore, the correct answer is proton.

Step-by-step explanation:

A hydrogen ion, H+, is the same as a proton. It is a hydrogen atom that has lost its lone electron. In aqueous solutions, the hydrogen ion is more commonly found attached to one or more water molecules, forming the hydronium ion (H3O+). The hydronium ion is used to represent the presence of hydrogen ions in solution. Therefore, the correct answer is B) proton.

Answer 2

A hydrogen ion, H+, is the same as a(n) A) Hydronium ion.

The correct option is A) hydronium ion. A hydrogen ion, H+, is essentially a proton, and in an aqueous solution, it quickly associates with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H3O+). These ions consist of a central oxygen atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, with one of the hydrogens originating from the initial hydrogen ion.

In water, the hydrogen ion's interaction with water molecules is vital. Water's polar nature allows it to surround and solvate the hydrogen ion, leading to the creation of hydronium ions. This process maintains charge neutrality in the solution.

Therefore, a hydrogen ion is functionally equivalent to a hydronium ion in aqueous solutions, making option A the correct choice. Understanding this chemistry is fundamental in various scientific disciplines, especially in the study of acids and bases.