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

• A. 1+
• B. 0
• C. 2+
• D. 1-

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the hydronium ion is represented as \(\mathrm{H_3O^+}\), where the superscript plus sign indicates its charge.
2. Understand that the \(^+\) symbol means the ion has lost one electron compared to its neutral state, resulting in a positive charge.
3. Recognize that the hydronium ion forms when a water molecule (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)) gains an extra proton (\(\mathrm{H^+}\)), which adds a positive charge.
4. Therefore, the overall charge of the hydronium ion is \(+1\), often written as \$1+\( or simply \)+$.
5. Conclude that among the given options, the correct charge of the hydronium ion is \$1+$.