Hydrogen ion

Hydrogen Ion is a proton, electron, or hydrogen atom that has lost or gained one or more electrons, thus acquiring a charge. In water, it exists as a hydronium ion (H3O+).

Overview

A hydrogen ion is created when a hydrogen atom loses or gains an electron. A positively charged hydrogen ion (or proton) can readily combine with other particles and therefore is only seen isolated when it is in a gaseous state or a nearly particle-free space.

Properties

Hydrogen ions are extremely reactive and are found in a variety of compounds, including water, where they combine with water molecules to form hydronium ions.

Role in pH

The concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution is a measure of the solution's acidity and is commonly expressed as its pH. The pH scale is logarithmic and inversely indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. This is because the algorithm of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution is what defines the pH.

Biological Significance

Hydrogen ions play a key role in physiology in the acid-base balance in the body. The homeostasis of the hydrogen ion concentration in the body fluids is crucial for normal physiological functions.

See Also

• Proton
• Electron
• Hydronium Ion
• Acidity
• pH
• Physiology

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