What is meant by the term auto-protolysis of water ?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Auto-Protolysis**: The term "auto-protolysis" refers to the process in which water molecules react with each other to produce ions. This phenomenon is also known as "self-ionization" of water.

2. **Chemical Reaction**: In the auto-protolysis of water, two water molecules (H₂O) interact. One water molecule donates a proton (H⁺) to another water molecule. This results in the formation of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

The chemical equation representing this reaction is:
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