Question

Which is an example of ionization?

Answer 1

Answer: SO₂ + H₂O → HSO₃ ⁻ + H⁺

Justification:

1) Ionization means formation of ions.

2) Ions are species that are not neutral, they are charged, in virtue of having less or more electrons than protons.

3) Ionization may happen in different environments.

4) Ionic compunds, like Mg(OH)₂ dissociate into ions (ionize) in water. That is the example shown in the fourth option:

Mg(OH)₂ → Mg ²⁺ + 2OH⁻

5) How much a ionic compound dissociates in water (ionize) depends on the Ksp (product solubility constant) which measures the concentrations of the ions that can be in the solution.


6) The Ksp for Mg(OH)₂ is very low, meaning that it will slightly ionize.

7) SO₂ + H₂O forms H₂SO₄, which is a strong acid, meaning that it will ionize fully in water, into the ions HSO₃ ⁻ and H⁺, so the third option is a good example of ionization.