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Because water molecules can both split off and accept a proton H+ :

  • H2O + H+ ---> H3O+ (hydroxonium ion)
  • H2O ---> H+ + OH- (hydroxide ion)
This is called the 'Water equilibrium of internal protolysis:
  • 2H2O <==> OH- + H3O+

    pKw = 14 or Kw = [H3O+]*[OH-] = 10^(-14)

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Q: Why is water known as an acid as well as base?
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