Dissociation of water:

Water is a covalent substance that partially breaks down into ions. This is called dissociation. An equilibrium is established between the ions and the water molecules with the value of the equilibrium constant being equal to 1 x 10^-14 at 25ºC this is also called the ionic product of water (Kw)

H₂O H⁺ + OH^-

This equilibrium means that water always contains these ions.

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