The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The provided image asks you to identify equations that show ionization. Since the specific equations to choose from are not included, this explanation will define ionization and provide examples to help you identify the correct options.
Correct Answer
An equation that shows ionization is one where a neutral atom or molecule is converted into one or more ions. To identify the correct equations, you must look for a chemical reaction where charged particles (ions) are formed from uncharged (neutral) reactants.
Explanation
Ionization is a fundamental chemical process that involves the creation of ions. An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge because it has either lost or gained one or more electrons. An equation representing ionization will always show this transformation from a neutral species to a charged one.
There are several common types of ionization reactions you might encounter:
- Formation of a Cation: This occurs when a neutral atom loses one or more electrons, resulting in a positively charged ion (a cation). A classic example is the first ionization of a sodium atom, which requires energy.
- Na → Na⁺ + e⁻
In this equation, the neutral sodium atom (Na) becomes a sodium ion (Na⁺) by losing an electron (e⁻).
- Na → Na⁺ + e⁻
- Ionization of an Acid in Water: When an acid dissolves in water, it donates a proton (H⁺) to a water molecule, forming a hydronium ion (H₃O⁺) and an anion. This process converts neutral molecules into ions.
- HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻
Here, the neutral molecules HCl and H₂O react to produce the ions H₃O⁺ and Cl⁻.
- HCl + H₂O → H₃O⁺ + Cl⁻
- Ionization of a Base in Water: A weak base, like ammonia, reacts with water by accepting a proton, which forms a cation and a hydroxide ion (OH⁻).
- NH₃ + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻
The neutral ammonia molecule (NH₃) reacts with water to form the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) and the hydroxide ion (OH⁻).
- NH₃ + H₂O ⇌ NH₄⁺ + OH⁻
To solve your problem, examine each equation. If an equation starts with neutral reactants on the left side and shows the formation of ions (species with a superscript + or -) on the right side, it depicts an ionization process.
