Question

What is the Arthenius definition of an acid? Of a base?

Short answer

An Arrhenius acid increases H+ concentration, and an Arrhenius base increases OH- concentration when dissolved in water.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Arrhenius Definition of an Acid

According to the Arrhenius definition, an acid is a substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, H+, in the solution.

Understanding the Arrhenius Definition of a Base

According to the Arrhenius definition, a base is a substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydroxide ions, OH-, in the solution.

Key concepts

Acids and Bases

The Arrhenius definition provides a foundational understanding of acids and bases, revealing their fundamental behavior in water.
According to this definition, acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, release hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the solution. This release defines the acidic properties of the substance. Notable examples of Arrhenius acids include hydrochloric acid ().
In contrast, bases are defined as substances that release hydroxide ions (OH^-) upon dissolution in water. These hydroxide ions imbue the solution with basic, or alkaline properties. For instance, sodium hydroxide (), commonly known as lye, is a classic example of an Arrhenius base.
Understanding these definitions is pivotal because they set the stage for recognizing acid-base reactions, which involve the transfer of hydrogen ions between acids and bases, a fundamental concept in chemistry.

Hydrogen Ions Concentration

Delving into the Arrhenius definition, we observe the behavior of hydrogen ions concentration in solutions.
When an Arrhenius acid dissolves in water, it donates to the solution. This increase in H⁺ concentration is measurable and dictates the solution's acidity. The more hydrogen ions present, the more acidic the solution is, and this is quantified using the pH scale—the scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating higher acidity (more H⁺ concentration).
Common acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociate to yield a higher concentration of hydrogen ions, which explains their acidic nature. Understanding the relationship between and acidity is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in various chemical contexts and comprehending phenomena like acid strength and neutralization reactions.

Hydroxide Ions Concentration

Equally important to the understanding of bases in the Arrhenius framework is the hydroxide ions concentration.
Upon dissolving an Arrhenius base in water, it produces OH^- ions, leading to an increase in hydroxide ion concentration within the solution. This concentration plays a central role in gauging the solution's basicity—higher concentrations mean higher basicity (alkalinity), which is inversely represented on the pH scale. Bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) release a significant amount of hydroxide ions, resulting in a high pH value, typically above 7.
Grasping the importance of OH^- concentration helps students to understand how substances neutralize acids, and it provides insights into the properties of materials and their solutions that have applications ranging from industrial processes to biological systems.