A hydrogen ion is a charged particle that forms when a hydrogen atom loses its electron, leaving just a single proton. This ion is often represented as H+ because it carries a positive charge. In chemistry, hydrogen ions are important because they affect the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A solution is acidic when it has a high concentration of hydrogen ions, H⁺. A solution is alkaline when it contains more hydroxide ions, OH⁻ and fewer hydrogen ions. Understanding hydrogen ions is essential in GCSE Chemistry because they play a crucial role in reactions, pH levels, and the functioning of acids and bases.
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