Question

Define Arrhenius base.

Short answer

An Arrhenius base is a substance that increases \( OH^- \) ions in solution.

Step-by-step solution

Basic Definition

An Arrhenius base is a substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions, \( OH^- \), in an aqueous solution.

Example of Arrhenius Base

For instance, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is an Arrhenius base because it dissociates in water to form sodium ions (Na\(^+\)) and hydroxide ions (OH\(^-\)): \( \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{OH}^- \).

Remember Key Features

Arrhenius bases are characterized by their ability to accept protons (H\(^+\)) in neutralization reactions and their ability to change litmus paper blue, indicative of a basic solution.

Key concepts

Hydroxide Ions

Hydroxide ions are represented by the chemical symbol \( OH^- \). They are crucial components in the chemistry of bases. When a base like sodium hydroxide dissolves in water, it releases hydroxide ions. These ions are responsible for the basic properties of the solution.
This increase in \( OH^- \) makes the solution basic, which can be observed by a higher pH value. Hydroxide ions can react with hydrogen ions \( H^+ \) to form water. This reaction is typical in neutralization processes when an acid and a base interact with each other.
Understanding hydroxide ions helps in grasping the behavior of many chemical reactions, especially those involving acids and bases.

Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, is a classic example of an Arrhenius base. Its chemical formula is \( NaOH \). When dissolved in water, sodium hydroxide dissociates into sodium ions \( Na^+ \) and hydroxide ions \( OH^- \).

• This dissociation process is what classifies it as an Arrhenius base.
• The release of hydroxide ions is what increases the pH of the solution, making it more basic.

Sodium hydroxide is widely used in various industries. It is involved in the manufacture of soap, paper, and detergents, demonstrating its versatile application.
It’s important to handle NaOH with care, as concentrated solutions can be corrosive and cause chemical burns.

Aqueous Solution

An aqueous solution is simply a solution where water acts as the solvent. The term "aqueous" is derived from "aqua," which means water in Latin. When substances like bases dissolve in water, they form an aqueous solution.
The properties of the solution are influenced by the dissolved substances. For an Arrhenius base like sodium hydroxide, the formation of hydroxide ions causes the solution to exhibit basic characteristics.

• The ability of water to dissolve and dissociate compounds like NaOH is vital because it allows the ions to participate in chemical reactions.
• Aqueous solutions are prevalent in numerous chemical processes and everyday phenomena.

Understanding the concept of aqueous solutions is fundamental in chemistry, as it is the medium for countless reactions and processes.