Write a balanced equation for the ionization of hydrochloric acid in water. Assume that hydronium ion is formed. (Use the lowest possible coefficients. Be sure to specify states such as (aq) or (s). If a box is not needed, leave it blank.)

HCl(g) + H₂O(l) -> Cl⁻(aq) + H₃O⁺(aq)

Explanation:

Usually when we have HCl in a lab, it's already dissolved in water. It's just HCl(aq). If we want to look at adding pure HCl, that'll be a gas. We should note that HCl is a strong acid that will break apart completely. One might not say that this is a chemical reaction so much as a dissociation. Strong acids are proton donors and form hydronium cations in aqueous solution.