It can be formed when an acid is present in water or simply in pure water. It's chemical formula is H3O+. It can also be formed by the combination of a H+ ion with an H2O molecule. The hydronium ion has a trigonal pyramidal geometry and is composed of three hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
How H3O ion is formed?
Explanation: When acid is added to water, H+ ions are formed in the solution. These ions cannot exist alone and hence they readily combine with water molecules to form the hydronium ion (H3O+).
How does water become hydronium?
Water, even pure water, has an amphiprotic nature. This means that a small amount of ions will form in pure water. Thus, the proton-donating molecule becomes a hydroxide ion, OH-, while the proton-accepting molecule becomes a hydronium ion, H3O+. ...
