autoionization of water

Autoionization of water is a natural process where a small number of water molecules split into equal parts: hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). This occurs without any external influence and maintains a balance, with both ions present at very low concentrations. For example, in pure water, about one in ten million molecules ionizes at any moment. This process is essential because it determines water’s pH level, influencing many chemical reactions and biological functions. Essentially, water's autoionization is a tiny, ongoing balancing act that keeps its chemical properties stable.