HCl(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + Cl-(aq)
Here's a breakdown of the equation:
* HCl(aq): Hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution (dissolved in water).
* H2O(l): Liquid water.
* H3O+(aq): Hydronium ion, formed when a proton (H+) from HCl attaches to a water molecule.
* Cl-(aq): Chloride ion, formed when HCl dissociates in water.
Key points:
* This is an acid-base reaction. HCl acts as an acid, donating a proton to water, which acts as a base.
* The reaction is an equilibrium reaction, meaning it proceeds in both directions.
* The hydronium ion (H3O+) is the form that protons (H+) exist in aqueous solution.
This reaction is responsible for the acidic properties of hydrochloric acid solutions.
