Explain in detail about hydronium ion.
- The strength of an acid is measured in terms of the extent of ionization of the acid in aqueous solution.
- Higher the $\text{H}^+$ ions concentration stronger is the acid.
- Hydrogen ion ($\text{H}^+$) does not exist alone. $\text{H}^+$ ion being unstable, it combines with $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ to form hydronium ion ($\text{H}_3\text{O}^+$).
$$\text{HCl}_{(aq)} \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{Cl}^-$$
$$\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{H}^+ \rightarrow \underset{\text{Hydronium}}{\text{H}_3\text{O}^+}$$