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How does Arrhenius describe acids and bases?

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As defined by Arrhenius:

An Arrhenius acid is a substance that dissociates in water to form hydrogen ions (H+). In other words, an acid increases the concentration of H+ ions in an aqueous solution. This protonation of water yields the hydronium ion (H3O+); in modern times, H+ is used as a shorthand for H3O+ because it is now known that a bare proton (H+) does not exist as a free species in aqueous solution.

An Arrhenius base is a substance that dissociates in water to form hydroxide (OH–) ions. In other words, a base increases the concentration of OH– ions in an aqueous solution.

Hope this helps!

User Hafizur Rahman
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Step-by-step explanation:

According to Arrhenius concept:

An acid is defined as a substance which donates hydronium ions
(H_3O^+) in water.


HA(aq)+H_2O(l)\rightarrow A^-(aq)+H_3O^+(aq)

For example: hydrochloric acid , nitric acid etc.


HCl(aq)+H_2O(l)\rightarrow Cl^-(aq)+H_3O^+(aq)


HNO_3(aq)+H_2O(l)\rightarrow NO_3^(-)(aq)+H_3O^+(aq)

A base is defined as a substance which donates hydroxide ions
(OH^-) when dissolved in water.


BOH(aq)\rightarrow B^+(aq)+OH^-(aq)

For example: sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide etc.


NaOH(aq)\rightarrow Na^+(aq)+OH^-(aq)


Ca(OH)_2(aq)\rightarrow Ca^(2+)(aq)+2OH^-(aq)

User Mrousavy
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