Answer :
I would be happy to help with that. The correct equation that expresses the self-ionization of water is:
H₂O + H₂O ⇌ H₃O⁺ + OH⁻
Here is a breakdown of the equation:
1. Two water molecules (H₂O) interact with each other.
2. One water molecule donates a proton (H⁺) to the other water molecule, forming a hydronium ion (H₃O⁺) and a hydroxide ion (OH⁻).
3. The reaction is reversible, indicating that the hydronium and hydroxide ions can also recombine to form water molecules.
This equation represents the self-ionization of water, where water molecules act as both acids and bases, producing hydronium and hydroxide ions in the process.