Ion Product of Water

The ion product of water refers to the balance point where water molecules naturally split into tiny amounts of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). In pure water at room temperature, this balance stays constant, with both ions present in equal amounts. The ion product (called Kw) is the mathematical product of their concentrations and remains steady, indicating water's neutral nature. When other substances are added, this balance shifts, making the water either more acidic (more H⁺) or more basic (more OH⁻).