The ionic product of water is ` 0.11 xx 10 ^(-14) ` at 273 K. ` 1.0 xx 10 ^(-14) at 298 K and 5.1 xx 10 ^(-14) at 373 K ` Deduce from this data whether the ionisation of water to hydrogen and hydrooxide ions is exothermic or endothermic.

Explanation

From the given data, we understand that the ionic product of water increases with increase in temperature. This also suggests that increase in temperature favours ionization of water. This is possible only when the reaction is endothermic as an endothermic reaction is favoured by an increase in temperature. Thus, ionization of water is an endothermic process.