Why is H3O+ the Strongest Acid & OH- the Strongest Base?

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H3O+ is considered the strongest acid in aqueous solutions because it results from the protonation of water molecules when a stronger acid donates protons. This process generates hydronium ions, which dominate in acidic environments. Conversely, OH- is the strongest base present in significant amounts in water, as strong bases extract protons from water, leading to an increase in hydroxide ions. The presence of excess water in these solutions facilitates the formation of H3O+ and OH-, establishing their roles as the strongest acid and base, respectively.
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Why is H3O+ the strongest acid and OH- the strongest base that can exist in significant amounts in aqueous solutions?
 
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Because usually in aqueous solutions you have excess of water. If you add some stronger acid it donates its proton(s) to the water particles. Similar reasoning holds for strong bases - they will steal protons from water leaving OH- in the solution.
 
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