Since H+ (hydrogen ion) does not exist on its own in an aqueous solution, it's always associated with another water molecule in the form of H3O+, my question is:
When HCl is added to water, are the dissociated H+ ions really a hydrogen ion (H+) or are they also considered hydronium ions (H3O+)?

Question

Since H+ (hydrogen ion) does not exist on its own in an aqueous solution, it's always associated with another water molecule in the form of H3O+, my question is:
When HCl is added to water, are the dissociated H+ ions really a hydrogen ion (H+) or are they also considered hydronium ions (H3O+)?

anonymous · Answer

The dissociated ion is actually the hydronium ion (H3O+)