A water molecule (H₂O) is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It is a polar molecule, meaning it has a slightly positive charge on one end and a slightly negative charge on the other. This is because oxygen is more electronegative than hydrogen, meaning it pulls the shared electrons in the bond closer to itself.
Here's how ions are formed from water:
* Acids: When an acid dissolves in water, it releases hydrogen ions (H+). This is because the acid molecule donates a proton (H+) to a water molecule, forming a hydronium ion (H₃O+).
* Bases: When a base dissolves in water, it releases hydroxide ions (OH-). This is because the base molecule accepts a proton from a water molecule, leaving behind a hydroxide ion.
So, it's not that something is stripped away from a water molecule, but rather that ions are formed by the addition of or removal of protons (H+).
