What is the charge on a hydronium ion (H_3O^+)?

• A. 1-
• B. 0
• C. 1+
• D. 2+

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that a hydronium ion is represented as \(\mathrm{H_3O^+}\), which means it is a water molecule (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) with an extra proton (\(\mathrm{H^+}\)) attached.
2. Understand that the water molecule itself is neutral, having no net charge.
3. When an extra proton (\(\mathrm{H^+}\)) attaches to water, it adds a positive charge because a proton carries a charge of +1.
4. Therefore, the hydronium ion carries a net positive charge of +1, which is indicated by the superscript plus sign in \(\mathrm{H_3O^+}\).
5. Conclude that the charge on the hydronium ion is +1.