Which chemical formula represents the hydroxide ion?

A. [tex]$OH ^{-}$[/tex]
B. [tex]$H ^{+}$[/tex]
C. [tex][tex]$H _3 O ^{+}$[/tex][/tex]
D. [tex]$H _2 O$[/tex]



Answer :

To determine which chemical formula represents the hydroxide ion, let's examine each option step-by-step:

1. OH⁻
- This formula consists of one oxygen (O) atom and one hydrogen (H) atom, and it has a negative charge (⁻). This aligns with the chemical composition and charge of the hydroxide ion.

2. H⁺
- This formula consists of a single hydrogen (H) atom with a positive charge (⁺). It is known as a proton or hydrogen ion, not hydroxide.

3. H₃O⁺
- This formula represents the hydronium ion, which consists of three hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O) with an overall positive charge (⁺). This is not the hydroxide ion.

4. H₂O
- This formula represents water, which consists of two hydrogen atoms (H) and one oxygen atom (O). This molecule is neutral and not the hydroxide ion.

Based on this analysis, OH⁻ is the chemical formula that represents the hydroxide ion.

Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \text{OH}^{-} \][/tex]